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Familiar Challenges for Clippers Ahead of Suns Opener

Divisional bragging rights will be on the line when the Suns and the Clippers meet at Intuit Dome.

(Photo by Getty Images) James Harden

Phoenix (0-0) at LA Clippers (0-0)

  • When: Oct 23 2024, 8:00 PM
  • Where: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA, USA
  • TV: ESPN

Game Odds, Spread, Moneyline & Total

Phoenix Suns @ L.A. Clippers
Moneyline

Phoenix Suns   -195
L.A. Clippers   +165

Phoenix Suns @ L.A. Clippers
Point Spread

Phoenix Suns   -4.5 (-115)
L.A. Clippers   4.5 (-105)

Phoenix Suns @ L.A. Clippers
Total

Over   225.5 (-110)
Under   225.5 (-110)

Key Players:
Phoenix: Kevin Durant
LA Clippers: James Harden

Team Stats

Suns   Clippers
0-0 Record 0-0
0-0 Away & Home 0-0
0-0 ATS 0-0
O/U

Last Matchup:
PHX 124-108, April 10th, 2024

Game Preview

The Los Angeles Clippers are set to begin a new chapter when they face the Phoenix Suns in their season opener on Wednesday. Despite moving into a brand-new arena in Inglewood after sharing space with the Lakers for 25 years, the Clippers are still grappling with familiar challenges, something bettors should take into account.

Star forward Kawhi Leonard remains sidelined indefinitely with chronic knee issues, a factor that could heavily impact the Clippers’ performance and value in both moneyline and spread bets. Leonard’s injury history is a significant concern, as he’s missed a large portion of the past two regular seasons and most playoff games, making it difficult to trust the Clippers in long-term futures bets or game-by-game player props involving Leonard.

Additionally, the Clippers lost Paul George in free agency to the 76ers, leaving them to rely on new acquisitions like Kris Dunn, Kevin Porter Jr., and Mo Bamba. Coach Tyronn Lue stressed that the team’s system will adapt to whoever is on the floor, but the uncertainty around their roster could make them a risky choice for bettors in the early season, especially against a strong Phoenix team.

The Suns, who finished last season 49-33, are also undergoing changes. Under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, Phoenix looks to solidify its defensive play, which could influence betting lines, particularly on totals and defensive props. Phoenix also added ex-Clipper Mason Plumlee, reuniting him with key players Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, both of whom are coming off gold medal wins at the Paris Olympics.

Bettors might find value in player props involving new Suns point guard Tyus Jones, who replaces Frank Vogel. Jones could be a key playmaker for the Suns, while Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen add depth to the roster. Allen, nursing Achilles soreness, will come off the bench, which could open up scoring opportunities for the second unit, something to consider when looking at individual player performance or bench points.

Phoenix enters the season as the more stable team, with fewer key injuries compared to the Clippers, making them an attractive option for bettors looking for more reliability. Budenholzer has emphasized actions over words, reinforcing a defensive mindset that could lead to more low-scoring games, further affecting totals and unders in betting markets.

With Josh Okogie out due to a hamstring injury, the Suns will need to adjust, but overall, Phoenix appears better equipped for an early-season victory. For bettors, Phoenix’s consistency and defensive upgrades under Budenholzer, along with the Clippers’ lingering injury concerns, make the Suns a more appealing pick in this opener.

Handicappers Picks – Join for Free

NBA Parlay Picks & Predictions

Final Score: Phoenix 118-110
The Pick: Phoenix -4½ (-115) & Over 225½
A $100 Parlay Bet will return $357

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