The 2-seed Phoenix Suns hold a 2-1 series lead in the Western Conference Finals over the 4-seed Los Angeles Clippers who seek to even the series while the Suns try to push L.A. to the brink of elimination Saturday. Tip-off is at 9 p.m. ET at Staples Center. Below, we analyze the Suns-Clippers Game 4 odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
After taking a 2-0 series lead over the Clippers and extending their postseason winning streak to nine games, the Suns faltered in Game 3, losing 106-92.
Guards Chris Paul and Devin Booker combined for only 10-of-40 shooting and the team shot only 38.9% from the field.
The Clippers bounced back from a 2-0 deficit to win a Game 3 for the third series in a row. F Paul George was great again with 27 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, but the contributions of his teammates were the difference.
L.A. G Patrick Beverley played great defense on Booker, C Ivica Zubac had 15 points and 16 boards, while G Reggie Jackson added 23 points of his own.
Suns at Clippers: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:51 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Suns -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Clippers +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Suns -1 (-115) | Clippers +1 (-105)
- Over/Under: 218.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Suns at Clippers: Key injuries
Suns
- PG Cameron Payne (ankle) probable
Clippers
- PF Marcus Morris (knee) questionable
- SG Kawhi Leonard (knee) out
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Suns at Clippers: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Suns 106, Clippers 102
Money line (ML)
The Suns struggled with the defensive intensity the Clippers brought and Paul was rusty in his return from health and safety protocols. CP3 and Booker are unlikely to shoot a combined 25% for the second game in a row.
Can the Clippers get a repeat performance from Zubac? He scored in double figures in Games 2 and 3, but only had double figures in one of his previous 17 games.
It will be a competitive game, but the absence of Kawhi will be felt as the Suns’ backcourt returns to form. Neither team has lost in a Game 4 this postseason, so one streak will end Saturday.
I LEAN SUNS (-120).
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Against the spread (ATS)
The spread is basically a pick’em so bet the team you believe will win.
The Suns have not covered the spread in their last two games but did in the previous eight games. The Clippers have covered the spread in six of their last seven games.
Since I expect the game to be close and I lean toward a Suns win, here I also LEAN SUNS -1 (-115).
Over/Under (O/U)
The defensive intensity in the last two games has increased. Their total the last two games has been 207 and 198. The Clippers are forcing a physical game. The Suns have matched it for the most part.
Take the UNDER 218.5 (-110).
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