Clippers vs. Suns Free Pick for Game 1

Los Angeles Clippers (44-38 SU, 40-41-1 ATS) vs. Phoenix Suns (45-37 SU, 43-37-2 ATS)

When: Sunday, April 16th, 8:00 PM (ET)

Where: Footprint Center, AZ, Phoenix

TV: TNT

Point Spread: LAL +7.5/Pho -7.5 (Check out the awesome live betting platform at Bovada!)

Total: 225.5

Money Line: Los Angeles Clippers +242/-300

Notable Injuries

Clippers

• Paul George (Out) Knee

Suns

• Cameron Payne (Questionable) Lower Back

Recent Form

Heading into the game, Los Angeles is 44-38 overall. When taking to the road, Los Angeles has a mark of 21-20 and a win percentage of 51%. Currently, the team is 5th in the Western Conference. So far, they are 40-41-1 vs the spread. In their matchup against Phoenix, the Los Angeles Clippers have won 3 straight games and will look to push that mark to 4 in a row.

Most recently, the Clippers took down the Suns by a score of 119-114. Norman Powell finished with 29 points, which was the most on the team. Los Angeles did not cover the spread as 9-point favorites.

Heading into the game, Phoenix is 45-37 overall. When playing at home, Phoenix has a mark of 28-13 and a win percentage of 68%. Currently, the team is 4th in the Western Conference. So far, they are 43-37-2 vs. the spread. The Suns need a win in today’s matchup vs. Los Angeles to avoid their 3rd straight loss.

After suffering a 119-114 loss to the Clippers, Phoenix will be looking to bounce back. Saben Lee was the team’s leading scorer with 25 points on a shooting percentage of 38.1%. In terms of betting, the Suns managed to cover the spread as 9-point underdogs heading into the game.

The Historicals

In the most recent matchup between the two teams, the Suns picked up the 112-95 win over the Clippers. The Suns’ margin of victory was enough to cover the spread as 1.0 point favorite. So far, the two teams have split their season series, with each team at 2-2. Across the previous 5 meetings between the teams, the Suns have an average scoring margin of +3 points per game, leading to an ATS mark of 4-1. The over-under record in these same games is 2-3, with the teams combining for an average of 217 points per game.

Analysis

This season, Los Angeles is averaging just 113.6 points per game, which places them 21st in the league. A major reason for these low numbers is the fact that they play at one of the slower paces in the NBA, at just 98.1 possessions per game. In terms of 3-point shooting, the Clippers are ranked 19th in attempts per game. However, they have been one of the more efficient shooting teams in the league, connecting at a rate of 38.1%. Defensively, the Clippers have been one of the best units in the NBA, allowing just 108.39 points per game. So far, they have done an excellent job defending the 3-point arc, allowing teams to hit just 34.31%.

Paul George will not be available for today’s game in Los Angeles due to an injury, as reported on the injury report. This means that Kawhi Leonard will need to step up and take on the role of primary scorer for the team. This year, Leonard has been averaging 23.8 points per game for the Clippers.

This season, Phoenix is averaging just 113.6 points per game, which places them 22nd in the league. A major reason for these low numbers is the fact that they play at one of the slower paces in the NBA, at just 98.0 possessions per game. Phoenix heads into the game as one of the top 3-point shooting teams in terms of percentage. So far, they have hit 37.4% of their looks from deep. However, they are currently ranked just 22nd in 3-point attempts per contest. Defensively, the Suns have been one of the best units in the NBA, allowing just 107.33 points per game. So far, they have done an excellent job defending the 3-point arc, allowing teams to hit just 33.88%.

Devin Booker is the top scorer for Phoenix, averaging 27.8 points per game. This season, his field goal percentage is 49.4%. The team’s second-leading scorer is Kevin Durant, with an average of 29.1 points per game.

Betting Trends

• Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
• Clippers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a ATS loss.
• Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Sunday games.
• Suns are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 3 or more days rest.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

The Clippers really needed Paul George healthy to have a shot of beating the Suns. Phoenix is loaded and these teams don’t matchup well without George. I’m predicting the Suns to win by double digits! Bet your NBA playoffs picks for FREE all week long by scoring a massive 100% real cash bonus up to $500 when you use bonus promo code PREDICTEM at Betnow Sportsbook!