The Clippers (43-38) have a chance to clinch the fifth seed should they win on the road against the fourth seed Suns (45-36). The game is expected to tip-off at 03:30 PM ET, Sunday, April 9th, 2023.
The Clippers are expected to crush a depleted Suns team in this meeting, with the Suns needing to overcome a 12.5 point spread if they’re to win this game.
MATCH PREVIEW
This is the fourth time that these two teams are playing against each other this season. In their most recent encounter on February 17th, the Clippers managed to beat the Suns 116-107. Paul George was the top scorer for the Clippers with 26 points, while Josh Okogie led the Suns with 24 points.
While the Clippers will be without George this time around, they will have Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook as they look to clinch the fifth seed. LAC clinching the fifth seed would means these two teams would meet again a week later in the first round of the playoffs. If the Clippers were to lose and the Pelicans win against the Timberwolves, they could see themselves fall as low as the seventh seed, meaning they would face the Lakers in the play-ins. The Clippers will be determined to get the job done in Phoenix.
On the other side, the Suns are again expected to rest stars Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton, and Devin Booker in preparation for their upcoming playoff series. While the Suns have exceptional rotational player to fill a depleted starting lineup, it will be tough for them to get the win at home.
ODDS AND PREDICTIONS
The Clippers come into this game highly motivated to avoid the play-in tournament. Winning would secure them the 5-seed, but a loss could potentially push them down to 7th, which would be risky as they would enter the play-in and could be eliminated from the playoffs in just two games.
Having clinched the fourth seed, the Suns’ top players will not be playing, while the Clippers will field a strong lineup featuring Kawhi, Westbrook, and other top players available. The Clippers will aim to build a significant lead early in the game to avoid any chance of a close finish and give their stars more rest time ahead of a potential first round playoff series.
Considering all these factors, prediction is that the Clippers will win comfortably and cover the spread, making them the safe choice. However, it’s important to keep in mind that sports betting always involves a degree of risk, and there’s no guarantee that this Clippers star studded lineup will product the expected result against a Suns side consisting of rotational bench players. As always, it’s essential to do your research and make an informed decision based on the available data.
Spread: Clippers -12.5
Moneyline: Clippers -525, Suns +390
Pick: Clippers -12.5
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