Phoenix Suns vs LA Clippers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 25/04/2023, 10:47  by Joseph King | Modified on 25/04/2023 at 10:49 in NBA Predictions

Facing elimination and a 3-1 deficit, the LA Clippers will try to extend this series to a game six when they face off against the Phoenix Suns for game five of the NBA Playoffs Western Conference first round. The Suns are overwhelming favorites to advance to a likely second round matchup against the Denver Nuggets with the Clippers fetching a ridiculous price of 65/1 to pull off the unlikely comeback and win the series. Los Angeles won the first game of the series but has since dropped the last three in a row, losing the most recent encounter by a score of 112-100.

The story of this series, and frankly the Clippers entire season, has been injuries and critique over ‘load management’. Superstar Kawhi Leonard, who has often received criticism for his seemingly over-cautious approach to rest and sitting out games, picked up yet another injury in game one. The 31-year-old was able to gut it out in game two but missed games three and four and has now been ruled out for game five. Along with co-star Paul George also on the treatment table, oddsmakers are giving the Clippers little chance of forcing another game in this series as the visiting team. Los Angeles’ hopes fall upon the shoulders of Russell Westbrook who only joined up with the team in February. Westbrook has been excellent in this series, giving fans a glimpse of the kind of performances which won the 34-year-old the MVP award in the 2016-17 season. Since game two, Westbrook is averaging 31.7 points, 7.0 assists and 6.3 rebounds. 

The Suns come into game five on a roll having won the last three games on the bounce. Phoenix are the current betting favorites to make it out of the West and are the second overall favorites behind the Celtics to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy at odds of roughly 4/1. It’s understandable why given the immense talent that this team possesses since the acquisition of Kevin Durant at the trade deadline. KD is averaging an effortless 27.8 points this series on an efficient 51.5% shooting from the field. Along with Devin Booker, the Suns have arguably the most lethal scoring duo in the NBA Playoffs. The Suns have won 11 of their 12 games overall with Kevin Durant in the lineup as the 34-year-old has seamlessly interwoven himself into the Suns brand of basketball.