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ESPN will host Thursday’s NBA playoff matchup between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers with tip off set for 9:00 p.m. ET. The game will take place at the STAPLES Center in LA.
If you aren’t around a TV to check out this Western Conference Finals matchup, you can stream the game via WatchESPN or the ESPN app. But keep in mind that you need a cable-login subscription. If you don’t have a cable login to access ESPN for a live stream, you can get a free trial from YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, AT&T TV Now, FuboTV, or Sling TV to stream the game.
Phoenix was dealt a major blow when Chris Paul was rued out indefinitely because of a positive COVID-19 test, but other players stepped during the star point guard’s absence. Cameron Payne has excelled at Paul’s replacement by averaging 20 points on 50% shooting against Los Angeles in the playoffs. Devin Booker is scoring at his usual rate and Deandre Ayton is averaging a double-double in the second round after tallying 24 points and 14 rebounds in Game 2 on Tuesday. Paul could be back in the mix for Game 3 and the Suns will be extremely likely to move onto the NBA Finals with a win in their first away game of the series.
The Clippers have now gown down 2-0 in two straight playoff series. Kawhi Leonard’s injury has weighed heavily on Paul George and company. Failing to steal a game against the Paul-less Suns will make it extremely hard for Los Angeles to make this series competitive. If the Clippers can gain momentum at the Staples Center with hot shooting like they did against the Dallas Mavericks in the first round, they can keep their championship dreams alive.