NBA Playoffs Odds, Picks and Prediction for Phoenix Suns vs LA Clippers: Round 1, Game 3

The Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers head to Southern California for Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series on April 20. The Suns earned a 123-109 come-from-behind victory at the Footprint Center on Tuesday night to knot the series up 1-1.

With the score tied at halftime, the Suns came out of halftime scorching hot as they knocked down 67.8% of their shots to grab a five-point lead heading into the final quarter. They outscored the Clips 31-22 in the final frame to secure the victory.

Devin Booker scored 25, including 18 in the third quarter, of his game-high 38 points over the contest’s final 24 minutes. Booker added nine assists and finished 14 of 22 from the field with four threes. Kevin Durant also had a big game, while Deandre Ayton recorded a double-double as all five Suns starters scored in double-figures.

Phoenix’s victory on Tuesday night snapped a three-game series losing streak. The Suns and Clippers split their six games this season. Both teams remain without key players as Cameron Payne has yet to play for the Suns, while Paul George won’t suit up for the Clippers in the series.

No. 4 Suns vs. No. 5 Clippers 2023 Western Conference Playoffs Round 1 Game 3

Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers Game Info

When: Thursday, April 20 at 10:30 p.m. (ET)
Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
TV: NBA TV
Odds: Phoenix Suns -2.5; Over/Under 228.5

Why Bet on the Phoenix Suns

The Suns have one of the best starting units in the NBA, with four all-stars. Small forward and perhaps point guard are the only two positions that the Suns don’t have an edge at in the series.

While the Suns can be explosive offensively, they thrive on the defensive end. The Suns were the league’s seventh-best defensive squad with a 112.7 rating.

Phoenix has held Los Angeles to a 50.1% effective field goal percentage in the six meetings this year. They also have taken care of the ball throughout the series.

The Suns are 9-1 in games Durant plays. Durant has been a royal pain to the Clippers throughout his career, averaging 26.0 points along with 7.5 rebounds and 8.0 assists this playoff series.

Bet Suns to Win Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

Why Bet on Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard is the obvious answer to why to bet on the Clippers. Leonard has carried the Clips in the first two games totaling 68 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists while posting a shooting slash line of .545/.600/.882.

The Clippers arguably have the best bench in basketball, and they have been excellent in the series. The Clips’ reserves outscored the Suns’ bench by 30-13 in Game 2 and are a +10.6 in the playoffs.

Los Angeles is at home for Game 3, and they have played decently well at Crypto.com Arena this season. The Clippers also have the propensity to get hot from beyond the arc.

Bet Clippers to Win Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

Expert Picks and Final Score Prediction

The series has been better than expected through the first two games. Durant and Leonard should provide another dramatic duel. However, Phoenix is the more talented and better defensive squad.

Phoenix Suns 113, Los Angeles Clippers 108