Clippers vs. Suns series prediction and odds (Phoenix has too much star power)

Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) watches as Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns face off in the first round of the postseason in the Western Conference, but the Clippers won’t have a key player to at least start the series.

Paul George is expected to be out with a knee injury, which puts Los Angeles at a significant disadvantage against Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Chris Paul.

Sources: Clippers star Paul George is expected to be sidelined to begin the first-round playoff series against the Suns, but is making some tangible progress from his March 21 knee injury.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 10, 2023

The Clippers are accustomed to injuries ruining their playoff runs, as it happened when Kawhi Leonard tore his ACL in the 2021 playoffs. That allowed the Suns to actually advance to the NBA Finals.

With Durant in the fold, the Suns are one of the favorites to win the NBA Finals this season and have gone 8-0 when he’s played.

Here are the latest series odds, including my best bet for the Clippers-Suns matchup:

Clippers vs. Suns series odds

NBA • 2022-23 Futures

LAC v PHX Series Betting

Odds updated April 13th, 2023, at 2:56 pm

Clippers vs. Suns correct score (Exact outcome odds)

NBA • 2022-23 Futures

LAC v PHX Correct Score

Phoenix Suns 4-1

Phoenix Suns 4-3

Phoenix Suns 4-2

Phoenix Suns 4-0

Los Angeles Clippers 4-2

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Odds updated April 13th, 2023, at 2:56 pm

Clippers vs. Suns series prediction and pick

The Suns finished the season with the No. 9 spot in the league in net rating, while the Clippers were 17th.

Los Angeles doesn’t have nearly as much top-line talent without George, and the team is going to have a hard time stopping the combination of Durant and Booker.

I do want to give the Clippers some credit because they have a deeper roster than the Suns, but Phoenix’s top four is going to be tough for anyone to get through in the West.

Without George this season, the Clippers went just 12-14, and even if he returns later in the series it may be too late. Russell Westbrook will likely try to fill some of the void, but he simply isn’t efficient enough of a shooter to worry the Suns.

Give me Phoenix to close this series out in six or fewer games.

Peter Dewey

BetSided