LA Clippers (32-28) at Phoenix (28-33)
- When: Mar 4 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: PHX Arena, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- TV: TNT
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns: Struggling Teams Clash in the Desert
Spread: Clippers -2.5
Total: 225.5
Two Western Conference teams in desperate need of a win square off on Tuesday night as the LA Clippers visit the Phoenix Suns. Both squads have stumbled badly in recent weeks, making this a critical matchup for playoff positioning.
The Clippers have lost five of their last six but still sit in the sixth seed, aiming to avoid the play-in tournament. Meanwhile, the Suns have dropped 11 of 14, falling four games out of the final play-in spot. Phoenix swept the first three meetings against LA this season, but the Clippers are slight road favorites in this one.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers (41-28) are finishing up a grueling eight-game road trip, which has been a rough stretch, including back-to-back losses against the Lakers. Despite falling 108-102 on Sunday, there were some positives, most notably Kawhi Leonard’s best performance of the season.
Leonard dropped a season-high 33 points and 10 rebounds, playing a season-high 40 minutes.
However, LA trailed by as many as 21 points in the third quarter and never led in the game.
Coach Tyronn Lue praised the late-game fight but acknowledged that the team needs to start games better to avoid early deficits.
The bad news for the Clippers is that Norman Powell suffered another injury, leaving Sunday’s game with a right hamstring strain. Powell had just returned from a knee injury, but he’s now ruled out for Tuesday. He leads the team in scoring at 23.8 PPG, so his absence is a significant blow.
Clippers Betting Trends:
8-5 as a road favorite this season
4-2 ATS in their last six road games
Under has hit in 4 of their last 6 games
Phoenix Suns
The Suns (32-37) have completely fallen apart after an 8-1 start, going 20-32 since that hot streak. Sunday’s 116-98 loss to Minnesota exposed many of their ongoing issues, including sloppy play and careless turnovers.
Phoenix turned the ball over 22 times, leading to 40 Timberwolves points.
Kevin Durant had 26 points and 10 rebounds but coughed up four turnovers.
Devin Booker (17 points, 6 turnovers) and Bradley Beal (18 points, 4 turnovers) also struggled to maintain possession.
Durant was visibly frustrated after the game, calling out the team for a lack of urgency.
“We embarrassed the fans and ourselves. I want us to be better.” – Kevin Durant
Coach Mike Budenholzer acknowledged the dire situation, stating that the Suns need to go on a run immediately if they want to salvage their playoff hopes.
Suns Betting Trends:
3-0 against the Clippers this season
6-12 ATS in their last 18 home games
Under has hit in 5 of their last 7 games
Final Prediction & Betting Outlook
Despite Phoenix’s 3-0 record against LA this season, the Clippers are favored for a reason. They have the better defense, Leonard is in top form, and they are fighting for a secure playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Suns are unraveling, and their turnovers continue to be a massive issue.
Pick: Clippers -2.5
Projected Score: Clippers 113, Suns 107
Total Bet: Under 225.5
The Clippers’ defense should be able to disrupt Phoenix, especially with the Suns’ poor ball security. Without Norman Powell, Leonard and James Harden will have to carry the scoring load, but against a struggling Suns team, that should be enough for a Clippers win and cover.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
