The 2021 NBA Western Conference Finals continue with Game 4 this Saturday night, as the Los Angeles Clippers host the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center in LA. The Clippers opened as 1-point underdogs on DraftKings Sportsbook, while the totals are set at 218.5 points.
The Suns took a 2-0 lead with a couple of wins on the home court (120-114 and 104-103), but the Clippers bounced back in Game 3 and earned a 106-92 victory as 1-point home dogs. LA is 2-1 ATS in this series, so let’s see what’s the best Suns vs. Clippers betting pick for Saturday.
Phoenix struggled mightily in Game 3, especially on the offensive end
The Phoenix Suns had some serious problems on the offensive end of the ball in Game 3 even though Chris Paul (COVID-19) returned to the lineup. They shot only 38.9% from the field and 31.3% from beyond the arc (10-for-32).
Paul finished with 15 points and 12 assists in 39 minutes on the floor, while Devin Booker had a terrible night, accounting for 15 points on 5-for-21 shooting from the field. The Suns scored just 44 second-half points while surrendering 60 in a return.
CP3 is averaging 15.6 points and 9.0 assists on the postseason, while Booker is adding 27.2 points and 5.3 dimes a night. The Suns are leaning on their defense, yielding just 102.4 points per contest on a 42.9% shooting from the field and 33.8% from beyond the 3-point line. They are tallying 109.7 points in a return on a 48.1% shooting from the field and 37.0% from downtown.
The Clippers hope to tie the series in front of the home fans
After a heartbreaking defeat in Game 2, the Clippers have had to regroup and find a way to put on another good performance in order to avoid a 3-0 hole. They played excellent defense in Game 3, while Paul George carried the Clippers on his back, dropping 27 points on the Suns to go with 15 points and eight assists.
Ivica Zubac had a big night in the office last Thursday, finishing with 15 points, 16 rebounds, and a couple of blocks. Reggie Jackson had 23 points and three assists, while Terance Mann added 12 points and five rebounds.
The Clippers are scoring 113.8 points per game this postseason while making 48.6% of their field goals and 39.9% of their 3-pointers. They are surrendering 107.9 points in a return on a 46.1% shooting from the field and 39.1% from downtown. LA still misses Kawhi Leonard (knee), and The Claw will probably remain on the shelf for Game 4.
Trends:
Phoenix:
- 5-13 ATS in the last 18 games against the Clippers
LA Clippers:
- 6-1 ATS in the last seven games overall
- 5-1 ATS in the last six games at home
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers Pick:
The Clippers have to continue with a strong defensive performance if they want to overcome Kawhi’s absence and eliminate the Suns from the playoffs. On the other side, we should see a similar approach, as Phoenix desperately needs to slow down Paul George and Reggie Jackson.
I’m expecting a hard-fought battle and a more dramatic finish than we saw in Game 3. It’s hard to say who’ll come out on top, so I will stick with the Clippers, who got us easy money last Thursday. They will enjoy massive support from the stands which could be a crucial factor down the stretch.
Pick: Take Los Angeles Clippers +1.0 at -105
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers Total:
I was backing the under in each of the previous three contests between the Suns and Clippers. The under has hit twice in the process, including Game 3, and the under is 4-1 in the last five encounters between these two Pacific Division foes.
Both teams rely on a stout defense. The Suns average 94.7 possessions per 48 minutes this postseason, while the Clippers record only 92.5 possessions per 48 minutes, so I’m sticking with the under on the totals.
Pick: Go under 218.5 points at -110