The second day of the new NBA season brings us a few interesting duels and one of them is a meeting between the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns, scheduled for Thursday, at 03:00 AM BST.
In this post, I'll take a closer look at the game, team news, and odds. I'll also provide a few betting predictions for it.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns betting tips
- Handicap betting: Phoenix Suns to win (-5) @ 9/10
- Total points: Over 225.5 @ 10/11
- Tyus Jones total assists: Over 6.5 @ 4/6
All Clippers vs Suns odds were taken from Paddy Power and are subject to change at any time.
Phoenix Suns to win with handicap (+6)
The Clippers have suffered a hard blow by losing Paul George in the free agency this summer and then they got more bad news ahead of the start of the season when it was announced that Kawhi Leonard will be out indefinitely with a right knee inflammation. So, the Clippers went from one of the best teams in the West to one of the weakest ones due to these news.
Meanwhile, Phoenix Suns have stayed pretty much unchanged compared to last season, but they did add Tyus Jones, who should bring them exactly what they need – playmaking. The Suns should take advantage of the situation in LA and secure a confident win tonight.
Over 225.5 total points
Looking at both of these rosters, it's clear that there's not much defence on either side. The Suns have so much offensive potential, but they are very far from a good defensive team.
Last season, three of the four duels between Clippers and Suns have gone over 130 points and two of them were either over or close to 250 points. I expect that to be the case tonight as well and the game to go over 225.5 total points.
Tyus Jones over 6.5 total assists
I already mentioned that the Suns found a good solution for their playmaking struggles in Jones and it's up to him to show it. While he might not get the opportunity to have the ball as much as he did in Washington, just playing next to Durant, Beal, and Booker should help him rack up assists.
Jones has averaged 7.3 assists per game last season with the Wizards, so he should be able to keep up that average in Phoenix and I expect him to show it against the Clippers and get at least seven assists.
Clippers vs Suns preview – teams news, injuries, and predicted lineups
The Clippers didn't do a lot during the offseason, but they were a part of one of the biggest moves, just on the wrong side of it. Yes, I'm talking about losing Paul George, who decided to join the 76ers. Of course, the Clippers also lost Westbrook, Plumlee, and Theis this summer, while they decided to give another chance in the league to Kevin Porter Jr.
Still, their biggest issue heading into the first game of the season is another injury to Kawhi Leonard. In addition to Leonard, Clippers will also be without Mo Bamba and P.J. Tucker.
The Clippers enter the 2024/2025 season after going 4-1 in the preseason.
Clippers starting lineup: Harden, Mann, Powell, Jones, Zubac
It was a quiet summer in Arizona and the Suns have decided to pretty much roll the dice with the same team. Of course, the addition of Tyus Jones is an important one, but the Suns also brought Mason Plumlee and Monte Morris, of the more notable names. When it comes to departures, the Suns have parted ways with Eric Gordon and Thadeus Young, among others. Grayson Allen, Josh Okogie, and Damion Lee are out with injuries, so the Knicks will be thin under the basket to start the season.
The Suns will go into the new season after going 3-2 in the preseason.
Suns starting lineup: Jones, Booker, Beal, Durrant, Nurkic
An avid sports fan and bettor, with a soft spot for basketball, tennis, and football. New to the MFT's unique community and very glad to be here.
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