Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns Prediction, NBA Odds
Two Pacific Division teams searching for early-season momentum meet again on Thursday when the Phoenix Suns host the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers took the first meeting at home in convincing fashion, 129-102, behind 57 combined points from stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
The Clippers have stumbled after a promising start, while the Suns are still defining their identity in the post-Durant, Beal and Ayton era. With both clubs under .500 and the Western Conference tightening early, this matchup already carries weight.
Clippers vs. Suns NBA Betting Odds
Phoenix is a short home favourite at -2.5 on the NBA odds, largely due to the Clippers’ injury concerns and turnover issues. Los Angeles has fallen to 1-6 ATS despite being just a game below .500 overall. The Suns, meanwhile, have been much stronger against the number at home, 4-0 ATS on their own floor. Offensively, both teams rely heavily on the three-point shot, and defensive metrics suggest this could be a favourable scoring environment, particularly for Phoenix’s perimeter shooters.
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles returns to action after dropping both games of a home back-to-back, a 120-119 loss to Miami followed by a 126-107 defeat to the reigning champion Thunder. The Clippers now sit 3-4 and dead last in the NBA in turnover rate. That lack of ball security has put additional pressure on a defence that ranks 26th in efficiency and 27th in opponent three-point percentage (39.4 per cent).
Kawhi Leonard (24.3 ppg) and James Harden (8.6 apg) lead the group, but both have been ruled out for this matchup. Bradley Beal’s transition to L.A. has been rocky, (he’s currently posting career-low numbers) and his absence against OKC underscored how thin the Clippers can become without their stars. Ivica Zubac continues to anchor the frontcourt, averaging 9.7 rebounds per game, but this offence currently ranks just 17th in offensive rating and 29th in pace.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns enter at 3-5, but their underlying trends are more encouraging, particularly at home. Phoenix generates strong volume from beyond the arc, sitting fourth in three-point attempts and makes, while shooting 37.4% as a team. That is a direct threat to L.A.’s perimeter defence.
Devin Booker has regained full control of this offence, putting up 31 points and seven assists per night. Centre Mark Williams, acquired in the offseason, has been a steady interior presence with a double-double average (12.1 ppg, 10 rpg). Role players like Grayson Allen (16.4 ppg), Royce O’Neale (12.1 ppg), Collin Gillespie (11.3 ppg) and Ryan Dunn (10 ppg) have stepped up while Dillon Brooks (groin) remains out. Jalen Green is probable to return, adding another scoring option.
Phoenix’s defence still ranks just 22nd, but its ability to force turnovers (seventh in NBA) is a major edge here.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Clippers vs. Suns?
With Leonard and Harden sidelined, the Clippers face major matchup concerns, especially against a Suns team that bombs from deep against a defence leaking threes. Phoenix has also been excellent at home, both outright and at the betting window. Expect the Suns to pick up the victory in the region of 118-110.
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