Kobe Sanders Out
Jordan Miller Out
James Harden Out
Kawhi Leonard Out
Dillon Brooks Out
Jalen Green Probable
The banged-up Clippers are heading to the desert tonight to face Phoenix. Maybe the dry desert air will help one of the oldest teams in the league recover, as they’re missing their two best players. With Harden and Leonard sidelined tonight, this is going to be a different look for the Clippers. However, the Suns haven’t been a team dominating this year. Sitting at just 3-5, they’ve struggled to find their consistency and have already fallen to the Clippers once this season.
The Suns are clearly rebuilding on the fly after their attempt at a super team. With Beal and Durant gone, it’s now Booker and role players on this roster. The team has been trending upward over the last few games, picking up two more wins against San Antonio and Utah. Before that, they were struggling with an early four-game losing streak. Still, the season is young. This team is just settling in more, and the outlook is encouraging. The defense is already showing more life behind Mark Williams and Ryan Dunn. They may not be a top team in the West, but they’re feisty.
For the Clippers, this team has always had top-tier potential if they stay healthy, but the injury bug is hitting early. With Kawhi and Harden out tonight, the lineup will look different. Harden has been leading this group offensively, while Kawhi controls both ends of the court. Still, they’ve started this year with a 3-4 record. However, with a deep bench and lots of talent, the Clippers are still dangerous. Bradley Beal will be the key tonight. He’ll have the green light on offense, and against Phoenix, he’s going to use it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes over 20 shots today. Plus, with the size on the Clippers, they should be able to dominate in the paint against the Suns.
This matchup should be interesting. While I trust the Phoenix offense more tonight, defense will be the challenge. Without Dillon Brooks, they lack that one extra defender they need. Dunn has been effective, but with limited minutes for Mark Williams, the size advantage of the Clippers concerns me. With Zubac dominating, Lopez sitting on the bench, and John Collins floating around, the Clippers should be able to control this game. That’s why I’m going with the Clippers moneyline, the over on the 223.5 points, and the LA spread at +3.5.
Money line: LAC (+130) / PHO (-155)
Total Points: 223.5
Spread: +3.5 LAC (-118) / -3.5 PHO (-102)
Booker continues to carry this team. Over his last five games, he’s only had one that fell below the over, and that was when he scored 28 points against San Antonio. He’s been the only option the Suns can rely on recently. Even with Green likely coming back tonight, there should be enough offense around for both to eat. Expect Booker to still be in the neighborhood of 20+ shot attempts tonight against a banged-up Clippers’ squad.
Dunn has been the Suns’ best defender by far. He’s been feast or famine with the steals, though. He’ll snag 3 in a game or 0, but tonight, with no Harden in the game, he could feast. Without their primary playmaker, the Clippers will probably run through Chris Paul. That should give Dunn a few more opportunities to play on the ball carrier. Especially with the plus odds attached, Dunn should be right around this number tonight.
Williams has been a machine on the boards. Even with limited minutes, he’s managed to make a huge impact. With Zubac on the other side, he should see a decent amount of time tonight. Even if Williams stays on the court for just 20 minutes, he’ll likely grab around 10 rebounds. Averaging 10 rebounds per game, he’s been a reliable pick to go over all season.
Zubac remains one of the top rebounders in the league. He can go out and grab double-digit rebounds almost every night. Averaging 9.7 per game so far, he’s been excellent. However, with Harden and Kawhi out tonight, the boards will be completely open for Zubac. Both of those guys are averaging over 5 rebounds per game themselves. That should give Zubac plenty of extra opportunities to grab rebounds tonight.