A potential first round playoff matchup will also end the NBA regular season when the Los Angeles Clippers (43-38, 20-20 away) visit the Phoenix Suns (45-36, 28-12 home). Phoenix is the fourth seed and will host either these Clippers or the Golden State Warriors in the first round. Below is my NBA pick for the Clippers vs Suns.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns Betting Pick
The Pick: Phoenix Suns +11.0
This game will be played at Footprint Center at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 9, 2023.
Why Bet the Phoenix Suns:
✅ Phoenix will be sitting all their starters, but I think the Clippers would rather play the Kings and will also be fine losing this game.
✅ The Suns have won six straight games at home.
✅ Los Angeles has covered the spread in just two of their last six games against Phoenix.
Who do the Los Angeles Clippers Want to Play in the First Round?
The Los Angeles Clippers had a little play-in tournament scare, but they took care of business this past week and now cannot fall further than sixth in the standings. Los Angeles will either visit the Sacramento Kings or the Phoenix Suns in the first round, but if Golden State loses the result in this game does not matter.
The Clippers have been balanced this season, with them resting everyone all the time, and are led by Norman Powell and his 16.8 points per game, Ivica Zubac’s 10.0 rebounds, and Terance Mann’s 2.3 assists.
The Phoenix Suns Are Resting
Phoenix is starting to rest for the playoffs, to avoid any late injuries, and they will be sitting their big four of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and DeAndre Ayton. The Suns are coming off a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last night, in LA, and are expected to suffer their second consecutive loss to a LA team. Phoenix is going to enter the playoffs fully healthy and the favorites to get out of the Western Conference.
DeAndre Ayton leads the Suns with 18.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. Chris Paul has dished out a team high 8.9 assists per game this season.
