At the beginning of the NBA Playoffs, one series stood apart for its potential quality. The Phoenix Suns and LA Clippers are respected brands on the NBA betting board. Since making the 2020 NBA Finals, Phoenix has commanded gambling attention. So too, have the Clippers drawn large betting handle upon signing Kawhi Leonard for the 2019-20 campaign. Phoenix recovered from a poor start this season to earn accolades for a strong finish. Meanwhile, the Clippers remain one of pro basketball’s great unfulfilled promises. LA has been touted as next year’s team ever since Leonard arrived.
2023 NBA Playoffs First Round Series Phoenix Suns vs. LA Clippers
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 10 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ. |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clippers | +7½ (-110) | 226 (-110) | +260 |  |
| Suns | -7½ (-110) | 226 (-110) | -320 | |
| ||||
Suns vs. Clippers SBG Odds Overview
On the whole, gamblers see this series as even. Especially if the Clippers can stay healthy. Sharps are looking hard at the Clippers for their potential upside at a great offshore bookmaker price. Certainly, LA has star power in its lineup. Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook give gamblers ideas. And understandably so. The question is if the Clippers’ terrific trio can stay healthy for the entire series.
On the other hand, the Suns had to overcome their own set of injury problems. Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Deandre Ayton missed large games this season. But when they were available at the end of the regular season, the wins game. As a result, gamblers took notice.
Suns vs. Clippers Series Schedule
All times listed are Eastern. (* – if necessary)
- Game 2: Suns vs. Clippers, Tuesday, April 18 (10 p.m., TNT)
- Game 3: Clippers vs. Suns, Thursday, April 20 (10:30 p.m., NBA TV)
- Game 4: Clippers vs. Suns, Saturday, April 22 (3:30 p.m., ABC)
- Game 5: Suns vs. Clippers, Tuesday, April 25 (TBD)*
- Game 6: Clippers vs. Suns, Thursday, April 27 (TBD)*
- Game 7: Suns vs. Clippers, Saturday, April 29 (TBD)*
LA Clippers Team Overview
The LA Clippers are 44-38 straight up, 40-42 against the spread, and 40-42 over/under the total. 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.
Overall, Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 23.8 points per game. Also, Paul George added 23.8 points per outing. While Russell Westbrook put in 15.8 points and 7.6 assists per contest.
Phoenix Suns Team Overview
The Phoenix are 45-37 straight up, 43-38-1 against the spread, and 42-39 over/under the total. 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.
Namely, Devin Booker leads the Suns at 27.8 points per game. Kevin Durant added 26.0 points per game in limited action. And then Deandre Ayton brought 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per contest.
Suns vs. Clippers SBG Free Pick
In this situation, the Clippers bring a strong team and a more attractive price.
Suns vs. Clippers SBG Best Bet: LA Clippers.