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The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers square off in Game 1 of the Western conference finals Sunday with both sides looking to take the first step towards making the NBA Finals. The Suns haven’t returned to the Finals since 1993 while the Clippers are looking for their first berth as a franchise.
Below is a look at a number of predictions ahead of Sunday afternoon’s game for the DraftKings Sportsbook NBA Playoffs pool.
Clippers vs. Suns, Game 1 pool picks
Which team will cover the spread? Clippers +4.5 or Suns -4.5
The Suns, even with Chris Paul sidelined, are the better team on both ends of the floor. Devin Booker is rising as a star and Deandre Ayton is a force the Clippers don’t have a great matchup for. Paul George is the best player on the floor, but the Suns have the next two guys. Take the home team in Game 1.
How many total points will be scored? Over/under 221.5
Both teams have been great offensively, making the over the stronger play here. Kawhi Leonard being out hasn’t slowed down the Clippers, who are continuing to torch opponents by going small. Booker and Ayton will keep the Suns ticking.
Which team will reach 30 points first?
The Clippers are in a groove right now, but the Suns are at home and will be well-rested. They should come stronger and be the first team to reach 30 points.
Which team will make more 3-pointers?
Both teams are strong from the perimeter. The Clippers have hit 36 triples in the last two games and took 37.3 shots from deep per game against the Jazz. The Suns only took 30 threes per game in the sweep of Denver. Take Los Angeles here, but with caution.
Which player will have more points and rebounds? Marcus Morris or Deandre Ayton
Morris has been solid in the last four games for Los Angeles, averaging 15.5 points per contest. However, he’s not on Ayton’s level as a scorer and rebounder for the playoffs. Take the Phoenix big man in this category.
Paul George points, rebounds and assists? Over/under 45.5
George averaged 31.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game in LA’s four straight wins. Add those up and you get 46.4 combined points, rebounds and assists. With Leonard sidelined, George will be asked to keep stepping up. Take the over here.
Devin Booker points, rebounds and assists? Over/under 41.5
Booker has been superb in the postseason, but he’s not exactly a rebounding or passing threat. With Paul out, expect Booker to be more of a distributor but its his scoring ability that will be most beneficial for the Suns. The under is the better play, but Booker is capable of going for 40+ with ease.
Which team will win the 4th quarter?
The Suns have been clinical in the fourth quarter during the sweep of the Nuggets, while the Clippers have housed the Jazz in the final frame during their series. Take the home team to close things out strong to get the conference finals going.
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