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Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The NBA returns this week and two Western Conference teams that met disappointing ends in the first round of last year’s playoffs meet up in the Intuit Dome's first NBA regular season game as the Los Angeles Clippers host the Phoenix Suns.

See below for our experts’ predictions on this season opener.

Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers betting picks and predictions

Phoenix Suns -4.5 (-110)

Phoenix was swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs after going 49-33 and finishing sixth in the Western Conference last season.

The Suns return Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal and added Tyus Jones from the Washington Wizards, one of the league’s premier distributors.

The Clippers lost to the Dallas Mavericks in six games in the first round after going 51-31 and finishing fourth in the Western Conference.

They took three of four games from Phoenix last year, but their lead scorer in each of those three wins, Paul George, is now a Philadelphia 76er. 

Los Angeles went 25-16 at home last year. However, after losing George in the offseason, the Clippers had to shelve leading scorer Kawhi Leonard indefinitely with inflammation in his knee.

That leaves James Harden (16.6 ppg last season) to guide the Clippers’ offense. 

Although the Clippers made several peripheral moves to improve their defense, including the additions of Derrick Jones Jr., Nicolas Batum, and Kris Dunn, they simply don’t have the firepower to hang with the Suns’ core. 

The Suns went 40-20 straight up last year as a moneyline favorite, while Los Angeles went 5-13 as an underdog.

Look for the Suns to get off to a strong start with a road win tomorrow night, covering the 4.5-point spread in the process.

Under 224.0 total points (-110)

With Leonard out, the Clippers will do everything in their power to slow down the game and keep the Suns from running away with it early.

Phoenix also made a commitment to improving on the defensive side of the ball this season when they replaced coach Frank Vogel with Mike Budenholzer, known for his defensive pedigree.

The Suns went 32-21-2 against the spread last season when they held opponents to less than 115.6 points last season, while the Clippers allowed the 10th-fewest points in the league last year at 112.3 a game.

Look for both teams to make concerted defensive efforts throughout opening night and keep this Under 224.0 total points.

James Harden Over 22.5 points (-115)

With George in another city and Leonard on the injured list, it’s left to Harden to run the show for the Clippers.

The 10-time All-Star and six-time first-team All-NBA performer was a consistent contributor to Los Angeles in his first season with the Clippers last year, finishing third on the team in scoring.

Harden averaged 20.5 points in two games against Phoenix last year, both Clippers victories.

Look for Harden to exhibit his usual scoring prowess as Los Angeles’ most lethal offensive threat and tally Over 22.5 points in the opener.

Read more betting picks and predictions for the NBA on site.

Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers odds

Phoenix Suns

-190 ML

Los Angeles Clippers

+160 ML

Spread

Suns -4.5

Total Points

O/U 224

Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers player props

Points O/U

Devin Booker (PHX Suns)

O/U 25.5

Bradley Beal (PHX Suns)

O/U 17.5

Tyus Jones (PHX Suns)

O/U 10.5

James Harden (LA Clippers)

O/U 22.5

Norman Powell (LA Clippers)

O/U 19.5

Ivica Zubac (LA Clippers) 

O/U 13.5

Read the latest NBA news on site.

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.

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