The 2-seed Phoenix Suns hold a 2-0 series lead in the Western Conference Finals against the 4-seed Los Angeles Clippers and head on the road for two games to try and close out the series. Game 3 is Thursday night at Staples Center in Los Angeles with a 9 p.m. ET tip. Below, we analyze the Suns-Clippers Game 3 odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
The Suns have won nine straight postseason games, including the first two of this series despite missing PG Chris Paul, who has been out under health and safety protocols. SG Devin Booker led the way in Game 1’s 120-114 win with a 40-point triple-double.
In Game 2, they got a dunk from C Deandre Ayton off an inbounds play with 0.7 seconds remaining for a 104-103 win. Ayton had 24 points and 14 rebounds, while G Cameron Payne had 29 points and 9 assists, starting in Paul’s place.
The Clippers have been without SG Kawhi Leonard as he remains out with a knee injury. F Paul George has averaged 30 points in the first two games of the series. It is the third straight series this postseason the Clippers have fallen behind 2-0.
Suns at Clippers: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:38 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Suns -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Clippers +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Against the spread/ATS: Suns -1.5 (-110) | Clippers +1.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 221.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Suns at Clippers: Key injuries
Suns
- PG Chris Paul (health and safety protocols) probable
Clippers
- SG Kawhi Leonard (knee) out
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Suns at Clippers: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Suns 111, Clippers 105
Money line (ML)
The Suns have won nine straight postseason games and are 4-1 on the road in these playoffs. They get Paul, arguably their most important player on the team, back in the lineup. Including the end of the regular season, they have rattled off 13 wins in their last 15 games.
The Clippers fell behind 2-0 in both their previous series in the postseason against the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz. They bounced back both times for two wins to tie the series.
However, the Suns are better and healthier than their two previous opponents and playing better basketball. The Clippers were +21 over the Suns in Game 2 from the 3-point line and still lost the game.
If there ever was a game to bet the Clippers to win, this is the one because if they lose, the series is all but over.
However, the return of Paul to the lineup will make the Suns that much better. Take the SUNS (-125).
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Against the spread (ATS)
The Suns failed the cover the spread in Game 2 for the first time during their winning streak. Including the regular season, the Suns have the highest cover percentage in the league at 62.2% and are 9-3 ATS this postseason.
The Clippers have only covered the spread in one loss this postseason — their Game 2 loss to the Suns.
Since this game is essentially a pick’em game, it wouldn’t be wise to bet a different team here than our pick for the money line.
If you think the Suns will win like I do, an ATS bet is the slightly better value than the money line. Take the SUNS -1.5 (-110).
Over/Under (O/U)
The Suns are 4-7-1 O/U this postseason and 4-5 O/U in their nine-game winning streak.
Game 3 in both series for the Clippers went Over the projected total. They are 8-7 O/U this postseason.
The defensive intensity should match that of Game 2, which hit the under.
Take UNDER 221.5 (-110).
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