Clippers vs. Suns prediction and odds for Game 5 (Too many points to give L.A.?)

Apr 9, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers have had brutal luck this postseason.

Kawhi Leonard (knee sprain) has missed Games 3 and 4 against the Phoenix Suns, leading to back-to-back losses to fall behind 3-1 after stealing Game 1 of the series.

The worst part? The Clippers wasted a 42-point game from Norman Powell in Game 3 and a 37-point game from Russell Westbrook in Game 4.

With Paul George still out and Leonard’s status up in the air for Game 5, the Suns are 12-point favorites for Tuesday’s matchup.

It does appear that Leonard has a shot to play in this game, but it’s hard to count on it.

Kawhi Leonard is getting treatment today. Does that mean there’s a possibility he plays tomorrow?

Ty Lue: “It’s always a possibility, yes.”

— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) April 24, 2023

The Suns won Game 4 by 12 points in Los Angeles, but the team has been extremely reliant on the duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker to carry it scoring wise.

Let’s break down the odds and a best bet for Game 5:

Clippers vs. Suns odds, spread and total

LAC @ PHO | Best Odds

Apr. 25, 9:00 PM

LAC

PHO

Odds updated April 24th, 2023, at 2:29 pm

Clippers vs. Suns prediction and pick

The Suns won Game 4 by 12 points in Los Angeles, but there’s a chance that the Clippers are undervalued here if Leonard is able to play.

Even if he sits, Los Angeles has kept each game in this series within 14 points, only losing Game 3 by five points.

The key for the Clippers will be getting good performances from multiple role players, as Powell struggled in Game 4 after dominating in Game 3.

If Leonard does play, this line will shrink significantly, and I’m also waiting on some regression from the Suns since they’ve been relying heavily on their starter unit. One bad game by Durant or Booker could actually lose Phoenix the game with how thin the team’s bench is.

This is a lot of points to give a Clippers team that has covered in Games 1 and 3 in this series.

Peter Dewey

BetSided

LAC +12