Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns Odds & Pick 2/15/22

Los Angeles Clippers (29-30 SU, 28-31-0 ATS) vs. Phoenix Suns (46-10 SU, 32-24-0 ATS)

When: Tuesday, February 15th, 2022, 10:00 pm (ET)

Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ

TV: TNT

Point Spread: LAC +12.5/PHX -12.5 (Opened at 12.5 at EveryGame)

Total: 222 (Opened at 222)

Money Line: LAC +600/PHX -880

Power Rating: PHX -10

Probable Starting Lineups

Los Angeles Clippers: PG Reggie Jackson, SG Terance Mann, SF Marcus Morris, PF Nicolas Batum, C Ivica Zubac

Phoenix Suns: PG Chris Paul, SG Devin Booker, SF Mikal Bridges, PF Jae Crowder, C Deandre Ayton

Key Injuries

Los Angeles Clippers: F Paul George *Out* (Elbow), G Jay Scrubb *Out* (Toe), G Jason Preston *Out* (Foot), F Kawhi Leonard *Out* (Knee), G Luke Kennard *Out* (Ankle), F Norman Powell *Out* (Toe)

Phoenix Suns: G Cameron Payne *Out* (Wrist), G Landry Shamet *Out* (Ankle), F Frank Kaminsky *Out* (Knee), F Dario Saric *Out* (Knee)

Recent Form

The Los Angeles Clippers come into this game with a 29-30 record and sit 8th in the Western Conference. After a slow start to the month, the Clippers currently ride a two-game win streak, including a major upset over the Warriors on Monday. In their last two wins, and over the course of the season, the Clippers have been able to keep themselves in games with their second-half defense. In their last three games, Los Angeles gave up 49.0 points per game in the second half and will be tested against one of the greatest second-half offenses this season in the Suns. Phoenix has averaged 56.9 points in the final two quarters this season and 63.7 points over their last three games, both marks being second-best in the NB. With a large spread of 12.5 points, it will be crucial for the Clippers to build off their recent defensive efforts to have a chance to keep this one close. Another area the Clippers have been good at this season is defending the three-point shot. Los Angeles has allowed 33.8% from range this season, and ironically enough, faces a team that has been among the best at shooting threes. The Suns shoot 36.1% from range this season and are even better than that mark at home, shooting 37.4%. With the odds stacked against the Clippers in this game, the only chance I see for them to keep this game within reach is by focusing on defending the perimeter and slowing down the pace in the second half. Though Paul George leads the team in points per game, Reggie Jackson has taken over as the leading scorer in his absence, averaging 16.6 PPG. The Clippers’ offense finds themselves 24th in the league as they average 106.4 PPG. Defensively, the team is 12th as they allow 107.7 PPG.

The Phoenix Suns come into this matchup with a 46-10 record and sit 1st in the Western Conference. The Suns picked up where they left off last month with a 6-1 start to February and currently have a five-game winning streak. As mentioned above, the Clippers have been hot defensively in the second half of games lately. The exact opposite is the same for the Suns, who have been an amazing first-half team. On the season, Phoenix has given up 52.1 points per game in the first half, which is the 4th best mark in the league. Compared to the first half offense of the Clippers, the Suns may be able to put this game away early as Los Angeles averages 51.8 points in the first half, which is 4th worst in the NBA. While a 12.5-point spread is a tall order no matter who you play, getting out to a strong first half and taking off in the second half could make it more attainable than appears to the eye. It is also worth mentioning that the Suns are the second-best scoring offense in the second half this season, averaging 56.9 points per game. Phoenix is led in scoring by Devin Booker, who is averaging 25.5 PPG. The Suns’ offense is 3rd in the NBA as they average 113.7 PPG this season. On defense, they sit in the 7th spot as they allow 105.4 PPG.

Clippers on the Road

Though the Clippers come into this game with a subpar 12-17 road record, they have been good for bettors against the spread with the odds stacked against them. Los Angeles is 5-2 ATS in their last seven games as road underdogs, thanks again to them being able to keep teams within reach with their second-half defensive efforts. Another impressive stat for the Clipper is going 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games against teams with a winning home record. While the Suns have one of the best home records this season, covering a 12.5-point spread isn’t easy against a top defense like the Clippers. If the Clippers try to keep up on the offensive side, they will quickly fall behind as they are outmatched at every position on the floor from a shooting perspective. Slowing down this game and minimizing Phoenix’s scoring opportunities will help limit the damage on any runs they go on in this game.

Suns at Home

The Suns at home are one of the most dominant teams with a 24-5 record at Footprint Center, which is second-best in the NBA behind the Warriors. While winning has come easy at home for Phoenix this season, covering the spread as favorites has not. The Suns are just 15-14 ATS as home favorites this season. Two games ago as 3-point favorites against the Bucks, the Suns were able to cover by double digits, but in this game, the Clippers are a much more solid defense in recent games. To cover this large of a spread, being efficient from deep is a great way to take the stress off your offense. With the perimeter defense of the Clippers, though, I see the Suns going cold at stretches of this game if they rely on the three-ball too much, which will give the Clippers opportunities to keep this game close.

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The Historicals

This matchup will be the third time these teams face this season. The Clippers took the first game back in December, while the Suns took the second at the beginning of January. Looking back at the last few seasons, the Clippers have the edge, winning three of the last five games.

How the Public is Betting the Clippers vs. Suns

62% are betting the Suns against the spread.

71% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 222.

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• The Los Angeles Clippers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road games vs. teams with a winning home record.
• The Los Angeles Clippers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games.
• The Phoenix Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
• The Phoenix Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last five games as home favorites.
• The Over is 6-1 in the Clippers’ last seven games.
• The Over is 4-0 in the Suns’ last four games.
• The Under is 5-2 in the last seven games between the Clippers and Suns.

Collin’s Pick for Clippers/Suns

This Western Conference matchup features the Clippers and Suns, who both come in on win streaks. The Clippers come in as heavy underdogs coming into Footprint Center, where the Suns have been dominant this season. The Suns are winners of five straight and are better in nearly every category, both offensively and defensively, over the Clippers. While the Suns will be satisfied with a win in this game, I don’t see it being as dominant as the odds suggest. The Clippers will be able to slow down the Suns’ offense in the second half of this game enough to keep this game within reach so long as they don’t allow the Suns to shoot the lights out from three. Take the Clippers to cover the 12.5-point spread. Bet your Clipps vs. Suns pick and ALL your NBA predictions for FREE this week by taking advantage of a 100% real cash bonus up to a thousand bucks at Betnow Sportsbook!