LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns 4/25/2023 Picks, Predictions and Tips
West 1st Round – Game 5, PHX leads series 3-1
The LA Clippers are set to face the Phoenix Suns in an NBA matchup at Footprint Center in AZ on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET. The Clippers are facing the possibility of elimination, as Leonard and George are officially out, making it less likely for them to advance in the series. This is a stark shift from earlier expectations, as many experts had predicted the Clippers to move forward after their victory in game one. It raises the question of whether this could be the end of the Leonard-George era in Los Angeles. Despite having a 70.3% regular-season winning percentage and a 54.1% postseason winning percentage in 142 games played together over four seasons, the team’s future with these players is uncertain. With two years left on their contracts, the team needs to consider if it’s in their best interest to retain either player.
In terms of statistics, the Clippers currently shoot 47.7%, ranking 13th overall, and average 113.6 points per game with a 38.1% three-point shooting percentage. They rank 18th in free throw percentage (78.1%) and have an average of 43.2 rebounds per game with a marginal +0.1 rebound margin. Defensively, the Clippers allow 113.1 points per game, ranking 12th, and their opponents shoot 47.4%, ranking 16th overall with a 36.5% field goal shooting percentage. According to Dunks and Threes, the Clippers rank 21st in offensive rating, 17th in defensive rating, and 23rd in tempo.
- The total went OVER in 10 of the LA Clippers’ last 13 games.
- The Los Angeles Clippers are 3-6 ATS in their last 9 matches with Phoenix.
- The Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on the road.
LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns 4/25/2023 Picks, Predictions and Tips
Phoenix has a strong motivation to succeed as they approach the second round of the playoffs. Can the Suns fulfill their postseason aspirations? The combination of Chris Paul and Devin Booker has been a formidable backcourt for Phoenix, but the addition of Kevin Durant has been the missing piece in their pursuit of the team’s first NBA championship. Although the Clippers gave them a scare in the initial match, it seems more likely now that the Suns will be a formidable contender in this postseason.
In terms of statistics, the Suns are currently ranked 17th in scoring, averaging 113.6 points per game, while shooting 46.7% (23rd) from the field, including 37.4% from beyond the arc. They average 44.2 rebounds per game, ranking 11th overall, and have a free throw percentage of 79.3%. Defensively, the Suns rank sixth in the league, allowing 111.6 points per game, with opponents shooting 46.6% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range (11th). According to Dunks and Threes, the Suns rank 16th in offensive rating, 7th in defensive rating, and 22nd in tempo.
- The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Phoenix’s last 12 games against LA Clippers.
- Phoenix are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games at home.
- Phoenix are 9-3 SU in their last 12 games with a team in the Western Conference.
LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns. The NBA pick for this game is the Phoenix Suns. The LA Clippers’ chances of advancing are slim with Kawhi Leonard sidelined and Paul George still injured. Even in a closeout game, there is no incentive for them to maintain a respectable score.
If Russell Westbrook is forced to carry too much of the offensive load, which is not his strong suit, his efforts may go unnoticed. Since losing the first game, the Phoenix Suns have been playing at their best and have dominated the Clippers in every aspect. In game four, the Suns outrebounded the Clippers 49-33, scored 48 points in the paint, and grabbed 14 offensive rebounds. The Clippers are not ready for a tough battle in Phoenix on Tuesday, as they have a poor track record, going 5-23 against the spread (ATS) in their last 28 games after two days off. The Suns possess the killer instinct needed to defeat a depleted Clippers team that has run out of options. The predicted score is a victory for the Phoenix Suns with a score of 119-105.
NBA Starting Time: 10:00 PM ET
Location: Footprint Center, AZ
Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2023
TV: TNT
NBA Odds: LA Clippers +12.5
NBA Totals: 223.5
