Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers Game 3 Prediction, NBA Odds

Edgar Chaput | Updated Apr 20, 2023

NBA: Playoffs-Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns

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The scenery shifts from the Arizona desert to the bright lights of the City of Angels for game 3 of the first-round series between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers.

Phoenix
45-37
AT
April 20, 2023, 10:30 PM ET
Staples Center
L.A. Clippers
44-38
Pointspread -7.5 -110
Moneyline -344
Over / Under o +225

58%

Betting Action

42%

Matchup NBA Odds
Pointspread +7.5 -110
Moneyline +282
Over / Under u +225

58%

Betting Action

42%

Matchup NBA Odds

Their Round 1 tussle is even at one game apiece. Monty Williams needed a brave effort out of his squad in the second half of Game 2 to climb their way back into the series with a 123-109 win. Is Phoenix rising to the point where all the momentum has shifted?

The NBA odds have more faith in Suns, although not by that much since they’re on the road. Phoenix lands at -3.0. The total is 226.5.

Suns vs. Clippers NBA Playoffs Betting Odds

The series odds give the edge to the Suns, who sit at -323 to the Clippers’ +226. Those are interesting numbers when considering that the series is tied 1-1 and three of the next four games – should there be at least four more games – are at Crypto.com arena. Then again, at 23-18, it isn’t as LA was dominant when playing in front of their fans this year.

Being in a close first-round series isn’t new to the Suns either. Flashback to a year ago when the New Orleans Pelicans, sans Zion Williamson, give the heavily favoured Suns some trouble, pushing the series to six games.

Even though Phoenix is the road team, it can be argued that the club enters game 3 with more momentum. Right up until the final minutes of the second quarter in Game 2, it looked as though an 0-2 hole was a real possibility. But over the game’s final 27-odd minutes Chris Paul, Kevin Durant, Deandre Ayton and company all proved why they had home court advantage.

Phoenix Suns

As alluded to, it took nearly a game and a half for the Suns to get going in the series. The first contest surprised many insofar as LA seemed to out-hustle Phoenix. The salt in the wound was that the oft-criticized Russell Westbrook was the one doing the hustling. When the Clippers claimed a 29-24 advantage after one quarter, questions were being asked about the hosts.

Chris Paul came to the rescue, or at least played far better than in Game 1. 16 points doesn’t look like much, but his buckets were critical in preserving the precious lead Phoenix held in the third period that eventually increased to 14 by the final whistle. He found the keys to his office and did his usually business with midrange jumpers, several floating just out of reach of Clipper defenders. Devin Booker was a mean customer, erupting for 38 points, shooting the lights out with a 14-for-22 night. The Suns as a whole were dominant on the attack with 58.8 per cent efficiency. KD (25 points) hasn’t exploded yet, but the fact that the series is tied and that a great game is surely on the horizon is a reason for the team to be confident.

Los Angeles Clippers

There are always two sides to a coin. On the one hand, underdog teams typically claim satisfaction when they earn a split on the road after the first two games. On the other hand, one gets a sense that the second half of Game 2 was a microcosm of what might sink LA when all is said and done.

The biggest criticism aimed at the Clippers this season was their maddening inconsistency. The roster looks a lot better than how the club sometimes plays. To be clear, Kawhi Leonard has been incredible so far. He had another strong night with 31 points and 3 steals, one of which came off KD and led to a vintage angry flush. Even Westbrook had 28 points, which is the first time in a while that he was so effective on the attack. But when push came to shove, the defence had no answer for what the Suns threw at them. All five Phoenix starters hit double digits and four of five went for more than 15. Down the stretch, Suns shots went in and Clipper shots didn’t.

Game 3 Prediction: Who Will Win Suns vs. Clippers?

NBA Predictions
SportsInteraction
  • PHO
  • -7.5 +7.5
  • LAC
Matchup NBA Odds