LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns Prediction: Can the defense-oriented Clippers take advantage of reeling Suns?

NBA is a strange world since a lot of offseason moves can fall flat and some teams can end up losing records even after stacking up and loading multiple top-class players. There are a lot of times when you can see a team’s record and say, “oh, they are surely going to win this” but then they can end up losing big. One such team Phoenix Suns is going to visit the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Clippers enter the game after shutting down the Timberwolves and putting their first-half struggles behind them to eke out a 99:88 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Clippers had just 38 points in the first half but sprung to life in the second part of the game. Kawhi Leonard had 19 and for the first time in the season, he led the Clippers’ scoring effort. The Kawhi and George tandem has enabled the Clippers to shut down two high-yielding scoring teams below 100 twice in a row. The Clippers have improved to 17 wins and 13 losses as a result of their three-game winning streak.

But one huge concern has been their poor shooting and the Clippers are among the bottom teams in terms of points per game. One reason has been Kawhi averaging around 13 points after he had averaged 25+ repeatedly, apart from that, his injuries still keep him at bay. If he and George are playing together regularly, the Clippers will eventually figure out their offensive way. As of now, the Clippers have hit a sweet spot and they look to build further upon their gains with three more games at home.

The Suns enter the game after losing 97:111 to the Rockets and they hit a shocking five-game losing streak after that performance. Their current road trip has completely dented their progress but perhaps the worst of these losses was at home, when the Celtics obliterated them by 25+ points, in a game where the Suns trailed by more than 40 points at one point. During their current downturn, the Suns have conceded 120+ in five of the seven games which is not a familiar sign for a team that is known to have some of the best defenders in the league.

Last season, the Suns hadn’t hit the 12 losses mark till their 61st game of the season and they were tbe best road team. Things have changed and injuries have shifted the scene. Is not having Jae Crowder creating such fluctuations? Lately, a hamstring injury has thrown Devin Booker into one of his worst shooting windows in recent times. Chris Paul’s impact is reducing whereas defensive dynamo Mikal Bridges isn’t a consistent offensive player. Deandre Ayton has gotten the job done lately but if things continue like this, the Suns may pursue some trades. Or will they wait for Cam Johnson to return and hope for a spark?

• Clippers: OUT: Norman Powell. Game-Time Decisions: John Wall, Ivica Zubac;
• Suns: OUT: Duane Washington, Cameron Payne, Cameron Johnson. QUESTIONABLE: Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Paul George(24-29 Points), Kawhi Leonard(19-23 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounder: Kawhi Leonard(7-10 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Chris Paul(8-11 Assists), Paul George(5-7 Assists).

The Clippers’ defense has been strong this season and that helps them make big comebacks as witnessed in the win against the Wolves. Such a team can be a bit hindrance for the Suns which are looking to bounce back. One advantage that the Suns can work out is that the Clippers just played last night. Despite that, there is a sense that Leonard and George want to shut all the nonsense around them. I believe they will shut down another team but will be in for a close battle. A lot will depend upon whether Booker and Ayton play or at least one of them. Still, I’d back the Clippers to win 104:100.