The Los Angeles Clippers (20-8) look to continue their nine-game home winning streak in a matchup against the Phoenix Suns (11-15) at Staples Center. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, and will air on NBATV.
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers Free Prediction
The last time the Suns played, they were beaten by the Portland Trail Blazers, 111-110, but they were able to cover as 2-point underdogs. The total points for the game (221) were just over the projected point total of 219.5. Converting at the free throw line was one of Portland’s biggest strengths. They were 17-20 (85.0 percent), while the Suns were 16-19 (84.2 percent). With 10 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds, Ricky Rubio led the way for Phoenix with his zeroth triple-double of the year.
The Clippers lost a close one to the Chicago Bulls in their last outing, 109-106, despite being 3.5-point favorites. The total points for the game (215) were just over the O/U total of 214.5. Chicago’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over Los Angeles. The Bulls had a rate of 27.3 (above their season average of 21.5), while the Clippers posted a mark of 17.4 (below their season average of 25.0). With 30 points on 9-for-24 shooting, Montrezl Harrell led Los Angeles in scoring.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, the Clippers lost 130-122, unable to cover as 10-point favorites. Kawhi Leonard had 27 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. The game finished with a total of 252 points, which was 27 points above the projected point total of 225 points. Phoenix’s effective field goal percentage was its largest strength over Los Angeles. The Suns had a rate of 0.599 while the Clippers posted a mark of 0.523.
Phoenix comes into the contest with records of 11-15 straight up (SU) and 14-10-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Suns’ 25 games with betting action, 15 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 20-8 SU and 15-12-1 ATS. Contrary to Phoenix, Clippers games have a tendency to go under the O/U total (57.1 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Rubio (17 points,12.6 assists,1.2 steals) has been stellar for the Suns while Paul George (27 points,6.4 rebounds,4.2 assists,1.8 steals) has made solid contributions to the Clippers.
The physical Los Angeles offense might be getting to the free throw line a lot in this matchup. The Clippers currently rank third in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.236, while Phoenix ranks 28th in FTA rate allowed (0.234).
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers Odds Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Clippers, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
On the road, Phoenix is 7-3 ATS with 6 unders and 4 overs.
At home, Los Angeles is 9-4-1 ATS with 9 unders and 5 overs.
Los Angeles is 9-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Phoenix is 2-2.
When reaching the century mark, the Clippers are 18-4 and the Suns are 11-13.
Los Angeles ranks first in second chance points per game (15.4) while Phoenix ranks 24th (12.0).
The Clippers rank second in rebounds per game (48.7) while the Suns rank 25th in rebounds allowed per game (46.4).
Phoenix ranks first in assists per game (28.5) while Los Angeles ranks 21st (23.0).
The Suns rank fifth in three pointers allowed per game (31.7) while the Clippers rank 24th (34.9).
Los Angeles averages 48.8 points in the paint per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Phoenix ranks 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (50.8).
The Clippers rank 11th in blocks per game (5.3) while the Suns rank 27th (4.0).
Phoenix averages 14.1 fast break points per game, which ranks 11th in the league. Los Angeles ranks 24th in fast break points allowed per game (14.7).
The Suns rank 14th in steals per game (7.8) while the Clippers rank 23rd in steals allowed per game (8.3).
Phoenix averages 20.1 points off turnovers per game, which ranks third in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 11th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.9).
In its last five games, Phoenix is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Suns have scored an equal number of points as their opponents. On the season, Phoenix has defeated opponents by an average of 1.2 points.
During their last five games, the Clippers have scored an average of 117.4 points per game (2.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 107.2 points per game (0.9 below their season average).
