It was not supposed to be this way. To illuminate, when Kawhi Leonard arrived at the LA Clippers, the expectation was an era of glory. Clipper fans dreamed they would finally see the franchise’s first NBA betting championship. Instead, the perpetual frustration of this franchise continues. Leonard has been injury prone during his time at LA. And that has become a liability in the current playoff series against the Phoenix Suns. To show, Leonard missed two of the first four games. Now the Clippers face extinction on Tuesday in Phoenix.
2023 NBA Playoffs First Round LA Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, April 25, 2023, 10 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ. |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clippers | +12 (-110) | 224 (-110) | +550 |  |
| Suns | -12 (-110) | 224 (-110) | -800 | |
| ||||
Clippers vs. Suns SBG Odds Overview
Of major concern is the injury status of Kawhi Leonard. Leonard’s status is day-to-day with a sprained knee. Meanwhile, the Suns have continued their sportsbook momentum generated at the end of the regular season. And that is why gamblers have bet Phoenix up to favorite status in the Western Conference. Phoenix is healthy, with its best players playing at their maximum level.
Clippers vs. Suns Series Schedule
- Game 1: Clippers 115, Suns 110
- Game 2: Suns 123, Clippers 109
- Game 3: Suns 129, Clippers 124
- Game 4: Suns 112, Clippers 100
- Game 5: Tuesday at Phoenix, 10 p.m. ET (TNT)
- Game 6*: Thursday, April 27 at LA
- Game 7*: Saturday, April 29 at Phoenix (TNT)
*If necessary
LA Clippers Team Overview
The LA Clippers were 44-38 straight up, 40-42 against the spread, and 40-42 over/under the total. Late on, LA has covered three out of their last nine games. At the same time, the Clippers have gone over the NBA betting total in six of its previous eight matchups.
LA has NBA metrics of 18th for scoring offense, 13th for field goal percentage, 3rd for 3-point field goal percentage, 18th for free throw percentage, and 17th for offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Clippers have NBA metrics of 12th for scoring defense, 16th for field goal percentage permitted, 19th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 13th for defensive rebounding.
First among LA scorers is Kawhi Leonard, with 34.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game. Russell Westbrook adds 26.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. And then Norman Powell brings 20.5 points per contest.
Phoenix Suns Team Overview
The Phoenix were 45-37 straight up, 43-38-1 against the spread, and 42-39 over/under the total. Late on, Phoenix has covered three out of their last five games. While the Suns have gone under the total in one of its previous seven matchups.
Pheonix has NBA metrics of 17th for scoring offense, 23rd for field goal percentage, 7th for 3-point field goal percentage, 10th for free throw percentage, and 11th for offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Suns have NBA metrics of 6th for scoring defense, 6th for field goal percentage permitted, 11th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 11th for defensive rebounding.
First among Pheonix scorers is Devin Booker, with 34.8 points and 5.5 assists per game. Devin Durant is averaging 27.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per outing. Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton adds 14.8 points and 11.3 rebounds per contest.
Clippers vs. Suns SBG Free Pick
On this occasion, the Suns have the momentum and the better lineup. Even if Leonard answers the bell, it is not certain he can play at his maximum level.
Clippers vs. Suns SBG Best Bet: Phoenix Suns.