Clippers, Suns Clash as Both Teams Try to End Slumps

Two struggling Western Conference teams meet on Tuesday night as the Phoenix Suns host the Los Angeles Clippers, both desperate for a win to regain momentum in the final stretch of the season.

The Suns have dropped 11 of their last 14 games, falling further out of the play-in race and facing the possibility of missing the postseason entirely. The Clippers are also in a rough patch, losing five of their last six games, slipping to sixth place in the West, and trying to avoid a play-in spot altogether.

Phoenix has already beaten Los Angeles three times this season, but with both teams struggling to find their identity, this matchup carries major implications for both franchises.

Suns Spiraling as Playoff Hopes Fade

Phoenix began the season looking like a Western Conference contender, racing out to an 8-1 start. Since then, the team has collapsed, going 20-32 in its last 52 games, with injuries, inconsistency, and poor execution derailing what was once a promising season.

Sunday’s 116-98 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves was the latest example of the Suns’ frustrating decline. The game was never competitive, and their 22 turnovers led to 40 points for Minnesota, a glaring issue that star forward Kevin Durant couldn’t ignore.

“We didn’t play up to our standards at all,” Durant said. “We embarrassed the fans and we embarrassed ourselves the way we played. I want us to be better.”

Durant had 26 points and 10 rebounds, but four turnovers contributed to the Suns’ sloppy performance. Bradley Beal (18 points, four turnovers) and Devin Booker (17 points, six turnovers) also struggled to take care of the ball.

Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer acknowledged the urgency of the moment, admitting that time is running out for the team to salvage its season.

“We’ve got to go on a run, but it’s got to start,” Budenholzer said. “There’s no doubt that the standings, the circumstances that we’re in, there’s an awareness and we’ve got to do something to change it.”

If the Suns don’t turn things around quickly, they could miss the postseason entirely, a shocking result for a team featuring Durant, Booker, and Beal.

Want to sharpen your betting strategies? Read the ultimate guide 👉 NBA Expert Betting Guide

Clippers Struggling But Staying Competitive

The Clippers have been sliding down the standings, but unlike the Suns, they’ve remained competitive in their recent losses.

Los Angeles is coming off back-to-back losses to the Lakers, falling 106-102 and 108-102. While the second loss appeared close on paper, the Clippers never led and trailed by 21 points late in the third quarter before making a late push.

Head coach Tyronn Lue praised his team’s resilience, noting that they didn’t give in despite the deficit.

“I liked our fight to come back, didn’t give in,” Lue said. “Being able to play through adversity, play through missed shots. It’s a long, tough season, and every night is going to be a challenge.”

One positive for the Clippers was the play of Kawhi Leonard, who scored a season-high 33 points while grabbing 10 rebounds in a season-best 40 minutes. Despite his strong individual effort, Leonard was frustrated with the continued losing streak.

“Just got to get better,” Leonard said. “It’s not about individual accolades. We got to get a team win. And I think we got to limit our mistakes and hopefully the ball falls for us in the future.”

The Clippers also suffered a setback when Norman Powell left Sunday’s game in the first quarter with a right hamstring strain. Powell, who had just returned from a knee injury, has already been ruled out against the Suns. His 23.8 points per game lead the Clippers, making his absence another challenge for a team searching for consistency.

Can the Clippers Avoid a Season Sweep?

Phoenix has won all three meetings against the Clippers this season, but each game has been close. The combined margin of victory in those games is just 11 points, including an overtime battle.

Los Angeles played those games without Kawhi Leonard, so his presence in the lineup this time could be a difference-maker.

Booker had a 40-point performance in the last meeting, and with the Suns in desperation mode, expect their stars to come out aggressive to avoid another loss.

Every Play, Every Point

Track NBA Scores Live

Get Free Trial

Who Has the Edge?

The Clippers are the healthier team, and with Leonard playing his best basketball of the season, they have a strong chance to avoid a season sweep. However, they are on the final game of an eight-game road trip, which could leave them fatigued.

The Suns have the talent to win, but their inability to execute and close out games has made them one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA. If they don’t clean up their turnovers and play with urgency, they could find themselves in an even deeper hole.

With both teams struggling to find answers, Tuesday’s showdown could be a turning point. Will Phoenix finally show some fight, or will the Clippers snap their skid and keep their playoff hopes alive? The answer awaits in the desert.