The Phoenix Suns’ backs are against the wall down 1-0 to the Los Angeles Clippers at home in their first-round matchup.
Phoenix needs a big game from one of its stars (Kevin Durant I’m looking at you) to even the series and avoid a 2-0 deficit.
The Clippers dominated the offensive glass on Sunday night and got a huge lift from star Kawhi Leonard (38 points) to win Game 1.
I have prop plays for both Leonard and Durant that I like in Game 2, as well as a double-double pick for a Clippers big man. Let’s break all three of them down:
Clippers vs. Suns best NBA prop bets
- Ivica Zubac to Record a Double-Double
- Kawhi Leonard OVER 28.5 Points
- Kevin Durant OVER 27.5 Points
Ivica Zubac to Record a Double-Double
The Suns didn’t have an answer for Ivica Zubac on the glass (15 rebounds in Game 1), and I don’t see that changing in Game 2.
Monty Williams tried both Bismack Biyombo and Jock Landale at the five spot with Deandre Ayton out of the game, but the Clippers still took advantage of the rebound battle. Zubac got to this prop easily in Game 1 and I think he can again on Tuesday night.
Kawhi Leonard OVER 28.5 Points
If Kawhi Leonard is going to see the usage he saw in Game 1 (13-for-24 from the field), he’s a terrific bet to pick up 29 or more points in Game 2.
This season, Leonard has scored 29 or more points in 10 of his 15 games where he’s taken at least 20 shots.
The Clippers star has quietly been one of the league’s top players for a few months now, and the Suns didn’t have an answer for him defensively, primarily using Torrey Craig to guard him.
Playoff Kawhi is a different animal, and I think he goes over this number on Tuesday.
Kevin Durant OVER 27.5 Points
Durant was elite in Game 1, scoring 27 points on 15 shots while adding nine rebounds and 11 assists.
The two-time Finals MVP made all of the right plays, but the Suns need him to be more aggressive scoring the ball. Durant didn’t attempt a shot in the third quarter, and while the Suns went on a bit of a run, they eventually squandered the lead down the stretch.
The fact that Durant can score this effectively on such little usage is amazing, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Suns call his number a few more times on Tuesday night.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.