LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns 2/16/2023 Best Picks, Odds and Predictions
In NBA action, the Phoenix Suns will host the Los Angeles Clippers at Footprint Center, AZ, on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Kawhi Leonard and Paul George can remain on the court together. Unfortunately, the two have not shared much playing time due to injuries, with Leonard missing more games than George. Nonetheless, the Clippers remain a formidable team and are still in the playoff race.
With a record of 32-28, the Clippers currently trail the first-place Nuggets by nine games in the Western Conference standings. After a prolonged absence last year, Kawhi Leonard has had time to ease back into the game this season and is showing glimpses of his pre-injury self. In their most recent game against the Warriors, Leonard led the team with 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 134-124 victory, boosting his season-scoring average to 22.3 ppg.
- The Los Angeles Clippers are 1-5 SU in their last 6 games on the road against Phoenix.
- The Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games with an opponent in the Western Conference.
- The total stayed UNDER in 9 of LA Clippers’ last 12 games with an opponent in the Pacific Division.
LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns 2/16/2023 Best Picks, Odds and Predictions
The Phoenix Suns are quickly approaching, and the team has been able to rack up wins without their top player. The Suns have hit their stride and are reminding everyone of their dominant form from last season when they finished with the best record in the NBA. The Suns have won 11 out of their previous 14 games, including five of their last six matches, and they now boast a 32-27 record on the season, placing them in fourth in the Western Conference and 8.5 games behind first-place Denver.
After spending considerable time off the court due to injury, Devin Booker has made his return to the Suns. Furthermore, the Suns have a new addition in Kevin Durant, who was acquired in a high-profile trade with the Nets, and he is expected to play his first game for the team after the all-star break. The league should take notice of this powerful Suns team.
- The Phoenix Suns are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home against the LA Clippers.
- Phoenix is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games against an opponent in the Western Conference.
- The Suns are 9-0 SU in their last 9 games against an opponent in the Pacific Division.
LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns. The NBA pick for this game is the Phoenix Suns. When it comes to statistics, these two teams are fairly similar. Both the Clippers and the Suns rank in the lower half of the league in terms of scoring, with the Clippers at 27th and the Suns at 22nd. However, both squads boast strong defenses, currently tied for fourth in points allowed. While they both rank in the bottom third for field goal percentage, they both are in the top six from beyond the arc. The Suns outperform the Clippers in offensive rebounding, but both teams have comparable turnover rates. The Suns are among the league’s best in assists, while the Clippers excel in steals. The game is expected to be tight, but with home-court advantage, the Suns are predicted to prevail and maintain their lead heading into the all-star break. The final score is projected to be 115-110 in favor of the Phoenix Suns.
NBA Starting Time: 10:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Footprint Center, AZ
Date: Thursday, February 16, 2023
TV: TNT
NBA Odds: Phoenix Suns – 1.5
NBA Totals: 224
