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The Phoenix Suns came into the Playoffs as favorites to win the Western Conference. However, things didn’t start well for them as the shorthanded Los Angeles Clippers won Game 1 on the road. With Paul George still being out, the Suns will have no excuse if they fail again on Tuesday.
These odds from William Hill were correct at the time of writing.

Photo by Icon Sport
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers – Game Predictions
Contents
Kevin Durant had a decent game in his Playoff debut for the Suns. He joined the team from Arizona aiming to win another title but things didn’t start as expected. The Clippers stole Game 1 in Phoenix and now all the pressure is on KD and his teammates. The Suns have a deeper rotation than the Clippers and that will play a major role in the outcome of this game.
Prediction 1: Phoenix Suns to Cover the Spread (-8)
The Phoenix Suns are with their backs against the wall and have to win this game in order to avoid going to LA in a deep whole. The Suns made only 6 three-pointers in the opening game of the series which is completely unacceptable for a game of that importance. poor shooting cost them the game and now they will return in full speed to tie things up in the series. This will not be a close game as the first one was with the Suns going furiously from tip-off. They will get things even and get the momentum in the series with a big win before they move to Los Angeles.
Prediction 2: Nicolas Batum over 5.5 points
The Los Angeles Clippers have many scoring options before the French veteran. However, with Paul George being out, Batum will get a bigger role on the offensive end and will definitely take more shots than he did in Game 1 when he scored 3 points on 1 of 3 shooting. Knowing that Suns’ defense will be focused on Kawhi Leonard, Batum will get some clear opportunities which he will turn into a game with more than 5.5 points.
Suns vs Clippers Preview – Do the Suns have a reason to worry?
The Clippers tole game 1 on the road in tight finish. Kawhi Leonard was clutch for the Clippers hitting two late threes to make the difference in the game. The Suns will need to bounce back immediately to avoid going to LA being 2-0 down. Durant, Paul and Booker have plenty of Playoff experience and will probably take back control of the series.
Phoenix Suns News, Injuries, and Starting Lineups
The Phoenix Suns lost Game 1 to the Clippers and now things do not look as promising as they were at the start of the series. However, the Suns are still the better team and will find a way to bounce back and get back into the series.
Phoenix Suns Injury Report:
Cameron Payne will miss Game 2 with a back injury.
Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup:
Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Torey Craig and Deandre Ayton
Los Angeles Clippers News, Injuries, and Starting Lineups
The Los Angeles Clippers have not played many games with their full roster available and that is the case in this series as well. With their leading scorer Paul George being out, the Clippers are underdogs in this series but managed to win Game 1 on the road.
Los Angeles Clippers Injury Report:
Paul George will miss the entire series against the Suns with a knee injury.
Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineup:
Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum, Ivica Zubac, Russell Westbrook and Eric Gordon
Suns vs Clippers Head to Head Record In 2023
The Suns and the Clippers split the four-game series during the 2022-23 regular season.
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers Game Details
- Date & Time: Tuesday, April 18, 10 p.m. ET
- Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
- Where to watch in the UK: NBA TV on TV or fuboTV on a live stream
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