The 2-seed Phoenix Suns (3-1) look to advance to the NBA Finals when they host the 4-seed Los Angeles Clippers (1-3) Monday in Game 5 of their Western Conference Playoff series at their self-titled arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Clippers vs. Suns odds and lines, with NBA picks and predictions.
Phoenix held onto to take a commanding 3-1 lead after winning Game 5, 84-80, fending off a second-half rally from L.A. that erased a 14-point, first-half deficit by outscoring the Suns 30-19 in the third quarter.
Both teams shot terribly from the field—Phoenix finished with a 36.0% field- goal percentage and L.A. shot 32.5%—but the difference was the Clippers’ 5-for-31 shooting performance from behind the arc.
The breakout star of this series is Suns big Deandre Ayton, who’s dominating the paint. He’s averaging 20.3 points per game on 69.6% field goal shooting with 13.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
Clippers at Suns: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:56 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Clippers +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Suns -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Clippers +5.5 (-110) | Suns -5.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 214.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Clippers at Suns: Key injuries
Clippers
- SF Kawhi Leonard (knee) out
Suns
- None
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Clippers at Suns: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Clippers 108, Suns 103
Money line (ML)
PASS with a slight “lean” to the Clippers (+180) because I like L.A. plus the points and see a little value in the underdog’s money line.
What’s keeping me away from betting the Clippers to win outright is they could’ve won two games they’ve lost in the series but failed to make winning plays down the stretch of Games 2 and 4.
Also, L.A. squandered an opportunity to steal a game in Phoenix when PG Chris Paul missed the first two games of the series due to health and safety protocols.
These gut-wrenching losses, combined with All-NBA wing Leonard still being unavailable for Game 5 could have the Clippers waiving the white flag in the second half.
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Against the spread (ATS)
GIMME the CLIPPERS +5.5 (-110) for 1 unit because this series is a lot closer than Phoenix’s 3-1 lead indicates. In fact, L.A. has a slightly better net rating and scoring margin and has split the “four factors” stats so far.
Furthermore, you could make an argument that the Clippers should be up 3-1 even though they are without their best player. The Clippers missed so many wide-open 3-point attempts in Game 5. If just two more 3’s go down, we have an even series.
Lastly, the presumed “sharp” side of the market is the Clippers +5.5 while the “average Joe” is backing the Suns -5.5, according to Pregame.com.
Typically, it’s wiser in sports gambling to follow the money, especially when it’s flowing in the opposite direction as the public.
Over/Under (O/U)
“LEAN” to the UNDER 214.5 (-110) for a half unit only because we are getting the worst of the number since Clippers-Suns Game 5 opened with a 218-point total before the market steamed the total down.
Plus, CP3’s methodical style of play, the intensity of a clinch-game and each team ranking in the top 10 of defensive rating during the regular season are contributing factors behind betting the Under.
Additionally, the total has been moved down 3.5 points despite more than 80% of the money being wagered on the Over, according to Pregame.com. It’s always a red flag when the House makes the more popular side cheaper.
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