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The Phoenix Suns lost their first third-round game of the playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday and now lead the series 2-0. Game 4 of the series is set for Sunday, and there are plenty of interesting odds worth betting on ahead of its 9:00 p.m. ET tip-off.
Below is a look at a number of predictions ahead of Saturday night’s game for the DraftKings Sportsbook NBA Playoffs pool.
Suns vs. Clippers, Game 4 pool picks
Which team will cover the spread? Suns +.5 or Clippers -.5
The winner of this game will almost certainly cover the spread. The Clippers covered as 1-point favorites in Game 2 of the series thanks to poor shooting from Devin Booker and Chris Paul. Booker is getting used to a face mask he has to wear because of his broken nose, and Chris Paul is looking to bounce back from an 11-day layoff caused by a positive Covid-19 test. We like the Clippers to secure a sweep in their first home stint of the Western Conference Finals.
Suns vs. Clippers: Over/Under 218.5 points?
Neither team has scored 107 points in this series, and both sides boast excellent defenses. While Los Angeles isn’t nearly as potent on defense without Kawhi Leonard, injuries to the Suns’ backcourt should help the home team keep the score low. We like the under in another low-scoring game.
Which team will reach 30 points first: Suns or Clippers?
The Clippers are much more confident shooting the basketball at the Staples Center and have won three straight first quarters at home. Los Angeles is also favored to win the first quarter by a point, so we’re backing the home team.
Which team will make more 3-point field goals: Suns or Clippers?
Los Angeles is shooting 39.9% from deep in the playoffs and 41.4% at home. The Clippers remain elite snipers without Leonard in the mix. Booker and Paul are question marks, but so is Cameron Payne, who sets the table off the bench and is dealing with an ankle injury. We like the home team to keep up its hot shooting.
Which player will have more points and assists: Chris Paul or Reggie Jackson?
Jackson has stepped up to the plate since Leonard went down and has scored at least 22 points in four of his last five games. Paul is more of a threat as a passer, but his 5-for-19 performance in his first game back from quarantine makes the Clippers guard seem like the better option.
Devin Booker total points, assists, and rebounds: Over/Under 37.5?
Book was an abysmal 5-for-21 from the field in the first game with his new face mask and scored just 15 points to go along with five assists and five rebounds. While he can be an exceptional secondary playmaker at times, a drop-off in scoring will drastically hurt his chances of hitting this over. We’re not comfortable with the over until he proves he can produce in his new headwear.
Paul George total points, assists, and rebounds: Over/Under 43.5?
George hit this over for the first time in the series in Game 3. He’s tallied at least 26 points and four assists in seven straight games, so his rebounding will be key. He’s grabbed 10 or more rebounds in seven of his 16 playoff games this postseason, so we’ll roll with the over here.
Which team will win the fourth quarter: Suns or Clippers?
The Clippers have won the last quarter in five of their eight home games this postseason. They might not have Leonard to close out games, but their performances away and at home have often been like night and day. Los Angeles seems like the best bet given its success at the Staples Center down the stretch.
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