The 2021 NBA Western Conference Finals continue Tuesday, June 22, so here’s the best Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns betting pick for Game 2 along with the latest team stats and odds update on William Hill Sportsbook.
The Suns took the first blood, grabbing a 120-114 victory as 4-point home favorites this past Sunday. They open as 6-point favorites for Game 2 at Phoenix Suns Arena, while the Clippers are +200 moneyline dogs with a total of 224.0 points.
The Clippers continue to fight, playing without Kawhi
The Los Angeles Clippers tried their best in the opening clash of the Western Conference Finals, but couldn’t get the job done down the stretch. The game was tied at 93-93 with 12 minutes to go, and the Clippers allowed a 12-2 run at the start of the fourth quarter. They cut the deficit to just two points with 22 seconds left on the clock, but the Suns kept their heads cool and won Game 1.
The Clippers shot 45.5% from the field and an excellent 42.6% from downtown (20-for-47). However, their defense struggled for most of the night, allowing 54 points in the paint and 16 fast-break points.
Kawhi Leonard (knee) missed his third straight game on Sunday. He’s listed as doubtful for Game 2, though it would be a huge surprise to see The Claw on the court, as he hasn’t even traveled with the team for the opener. Marcus Morris is dealing with a knee injury, too, after playing just 21 minutes last Sunday.
The Suns overcame Chris Paul’s absence
The Phoenix Suns had to lean heavily on Devin Booker in Game 1, as Chris Paul remained in the medical protocols after testing positive for COVID-19. Booker put on a show and accounted for his first career triple-double, finishing with 40 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Devin went 15-for-29 from the field in 44 minutes on the floor, committing just a couple of turnovers while driving the Suns’ offense. Deandre Ayton had 20 points and nine rebounds, while Cameron Payne added 11 points and nine assists.
The Suns executed offensively at the highest level in Game 1. They shot 55.1% from the field and 40.6% from beyond the 3-point line. Phoenix is scoring 111.8 points per game this postseason while surrendering only 102.0 in a return.
Trends:
LA Clippers:
- 4-1 ATS in the last five games overall
- 9-4 ATS in the last 13 games against the Pacific Division
Phoenix:
- 6-14 ATS in the last 20 games against the Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns Pick
We should see another tight contest with both Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul on the sidelines. Therefore, I’m backing the Clippers to keep it close down the stretch and cover a 6-point spread.
The Clippers proved they can play well in Kawhi’s absence. LA will need to improve defensively, and the Clippers have been playing some excellent D in the semifinal series against the Jazz. I like this Phoenix team, but without Paul, the Clippers will have a tall task to comfortably outlast the Clippers.
ATS Picks: Take Los Angeles Clippers +6.0 at -110
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns Total:
After the under has hit in each of three regular-season encounters between the Clippers and Suns, Sunday’s clash went way in the over of a 221.5-point total. However, I’m expecting a much better defensive job on both sides in Game 2, so I’m backing the under on the totals.
Both Suns and Clippers prefer to play at a slow pace. They were terrific from downtown in the opener, so both teams need to tighten up things defensively, especially the Clippers who struggled in Game 1.
Pick: Go under 224.0 points at -110