L.a. Clippers Clippers vs Phoenix Suns Picks and Predictions October 31st 2024

Suns Look to Secure Another Win at Clippers’ State-of-the-Art Intuit Dome Arena

The Phoenix Suns are rolling into the Los Angeles Clippers’ brand-new $2 billion Intuit Dome on Thursday night, hoping to keep their early season momentum alive. The arena, nestled in Inglewood, California, has been a hit among NBA players, with Kevin Durant calling it “incredible.”

Phoenix kicked off the season with a nail-biting 116-113 overtime win against the Clippers on October 23, so their return to the Intuit Dome brings an extra layer of excitement. In that opener, Durant poured in 25 points, including a clutch shot with 21.2 seconds left in regulation, sealing the victory. Teammates Bradley Beal and Devin Booker also delivered strong performances, scoring 24 and 15 points, respectively. Plus, it was a promising debut for head coach Mike Budenholzer, who showed he’s ready to guide this talented Suns team to a successful season.

Suns Riding High on Early Season Momentum

Since their first matchup with the Clippers, the Suns have experienced a few ups and downs. They dropped a game against the Lakers, 123-116, but bounced right back with a close 109-105 victory at home, bringing them to a solid 3-1 season record. Booker shined against the Lakers with a season-high 33 points, while Durant has been putting up big numbers, averaging 29 points per game. The Suns’ defense has also shown grit, especially against the Lakers, holding them to only 14 points in the second quarter and 22 in the fourth, balancing a defensive and offensive approach that’s keeping them in control.

Clippers Finding Their Footing Under Van Gundy’s Defensive System

The Clippers are still settling into their new home with a 0-2 record, but they’ve already shown defensive promise under new assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy. His approach has made a noticeable difference, placing the Clippers among the league’s top defenses, allowing just 107.5 points per game over their first four games. While they’ve had close losses, like their recent 106-105 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers, their defensive effort has been a standout. Nicolas Batum praised Van Gundy’s system, noting that while the team’s still adjusting, their defensive performance has clicked faster than anticipated.

Wednesday’s close game against the Blazers demonstrated the Clippers’ defensive tenacity, holding Portland to 44.6% shooting. But on the offensive end, they ran into trouble, missing key shots on their last four possessions. Ivica Zubac’s missed free throws proved costly, highlighting a need for stronger offense while Kawhi Leonard remains out with a knee injury. Until Leonard returns, the Clippers will lean on their defense to stay competitive.

Key Players and Game Highlights

Durant has been a consistent force for the Suns, averaging 29 points over four games. Booker, who just celebrated his 28th birthday, is proving to be a dynamic presence, racking up a season-high against the Lakers and stressing the importance of defense as a foundation for their offense. Jusuf Nurkic, however, struggled in his most recent outing, scoring only two points on 1-of-6 shooting. As the season progresses, the Suns will be counting on Nurkic to find his groove and contribute more reliably.

On the Clippers’ end, Norman Powell stepped up with an impressive 30 points against the Blazers, with James Harden chipping in 19 points and 10 assists. Despite their defensive improvements, the Clippers are facing challenges in closing out games, as seen with Zubac’s missed free throws. Until their offensive leader Leonard returns, finding ways to finish strong will be critical.

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What’s Next for the Suns and Clippers?

Under Budenholzer’s leadership, the Suns are thriving, showing a strong defensive approach that complements their offensive stars. Their knack for seizing late-game moments and staying cool in high-stakes situations has been essential to their early success. As they continue their road games, they’ll aim to keep this momentum going.

The Clippers, however, may need more offensive firepower while Leonard remains sidelined. While their defense under Van Gundy ranks among the best, it’s only half the equation. Without a reliable offensive edge, they’ll have to keep refining their strategies and hope the Intuit Dome starts to feel more like home. It’s a gorgeous arena with the potential to become a real fortress for the Clippers, though they’re still looking for that winning spark on their new home court.

The Suns head back to the Clippers’ state-of-the-art Intuit Dome, looking to build on a solid start and another win in Los Angeles. With a balanced blend of offensive talent and defensive discipline, they’re positioning themselves as early contenders. Meanwhile, the Clippers, with a solid defensive backbone, await Leonard’s return to inject more offensive energy into their game plan. Both teams will aim to make Thursday night’s matchup a memorable one, with the Intuit Dome’s electric atmosphere potentially playing a big role in the outcome.

Clippers vs Suns October 31st 2024

In a Western Pacific division matchup, the Phoenix Suns (3-1) travel to take on the Los Angeles Clippers (2-2) at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood. The Suns are favored by 5 points and the over/under line is set at 223.5.

This game will tip-off at 10:30 ET and can be seen on NBA TV.

Suns vs. Clippers Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers
• Where: Inglewood at Intuit Dome
• Date: Thursday, October 31st
• Betting Odds PHO -5, PHO -205 | LAC +170 O/U 223.5

The Suns Can Win If…

The Suns improved to 3-1 on the season with a 109-105 home win over the Lakers on Monday. Phoenix, favored by 4.5 points, didn’t cover the spread, and the total points of 214 fell short of the 228.5 O/U line.

After a 10-0 Lakers run early, Phoenix responded by holding them to 14 points in the 2nd quarter. Despite falling behind 83-76 after the 3rd, the Suns rallied in the 4th, outscoring the Lakers 33-22 to secure the win.

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant powered the Suns to a win over the Lakers, with Booker scoring 33 points and Durant adding 30. Booker hit 3 threes at 37.5%, while Durant connected on 2 at 33.3%.

Phoenix shot 46% from the field and made 11 threes at 30.6%. Booker scored 14 points in the 2nd quarter, and Durant added 10 in the 3rd.

Despite a rough 1st and 3rd quarter, the Suns’ defense came through in the 2nd and 4th, allowing just 14 and 22 points, respectively, to secure the win. Overall, they held the Lakers to 105 points on 41% shooting.

Phoenix struggled to defend the three, giving up 14 made threes at a 43% clip. They sent the Lakers to the line 18 times, where they hit 13 free throws. The Suns grabbed 37 defensive rebounds, allowed 11 offensive boards, and recorded 7 steals and 11 blocks.

• Across their five previous road games, Phoenix has an ATS mark of 1-4. Their straight up record in these matchups was 2-3 while averaging 109 points per game.
• Through their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Suns have a good straight up record, but their ATS mark is just 0-5.
• Over their last five games, the Suns have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 1-4 vs. the spread.

The Clippers Can Win If…

The Clippers fell to 2-2 on the season after a narrow 106-105 loss to the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Playing at home, L.A. was favored by 8 points but couldn’t cover the spread. The game’s total of 211 points came in under the 219-point line.

Portland’s 12-0 run early on put the Clippers in a hole, but L.A. battled back, outscoring the Blazers 35-28 in the 3rd quarter. However, the Clippers couldn’t hold onto their 85-82 lead going into the 4th, as the Blazers outscored them 24-20 in the final period.

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant combined for 63 points in the Suns’ 109-105 win over the Lakers, with Booker scoring 33 and Durant adding 30. Booker had 14 points in the 2nd quarter, while Durant scored 12 in the 1st and 10 in the 3rd.

The Suns shot 46% from the field and made just 11 threes at a 30.6% rate. Bradley Beal contributed 15 points, and Royce O’Neale added 12, with 5 of his points coming in the 4th quarter.

Defensively, the Clippers held the Trail Blazers to 106 points, giving up 24 points in both the 1st and 4th quarters. Portland shot 44% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Clippers allowed 14 threes on 42% shooting. They sent the Blazers to the line 12 times, where they hit 10 free throws. The Clippers finished with 10 steals and 5 blocks.

• Los Angeles has played well in their previous five home games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 105 points per game while allowing 106. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
• Spanning across their last five games as the betting underdog, the Clippers have gone 3-2 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 2-3.
• In their last three games, the Clippers have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Our bet is on the Suns for a win, and we project the score to be 127-112. Additionally, we expect them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to wager on the Suns with the spread at -5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 223.5 and our model has the Suns and Clippers finishing with a combined 239 points. Our pick is to take the over.