Suns in 4 again? It’s too early to tell, though, as the Clippers have shown in the past it can get back up from even a 0-2 deficit in this playoffs. In any case, Game 2 should be another thriller of a game. Read on for a preview of Game 2 between Clippers and the Suns.
Catch this game live on Wednesday, June 23, at 9 AM, Manila time
HOME TEAM: Phoenix Suns (1-0, 1-0 at home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Cameron Payne
- SG: Devin Booker
- SF: Mikal Bridges
- PF: Jae Crowder
- C: Deandre Ayton
The Suns didn’t even need Chris Paul to play in Game 1 to take down the Clippers, 120-114. Most of what they needed, Devin Booker delivered, as the former Kentucky Wildcats hotshot exploded for 40 points, and it’s not just an ordinary 40-point performance, as he finished with 13 rebounds and 11 assists as well.
With the Clippers missing their best perimeter defender in Kawhi Leonard, Booker could continue his reign on the wings. But it’s not just Booker that the Clippers are having a tough time containing.
Deandre Ayton is a huge factor for the Suns, and he made that known in Game 1 by scoring 20 points on a high-efficiency 10-of-14 shooting from the field. Paul has been officially ruled out of Game 2, but with Booker, Ayton, and Cameron Payne playing sweet music together in the starting lineup, the Suns could ultimately be just fine this Wednesday.
The Suns are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
ROAD TEAM: Los Angeles Clippers (0-1, 0-1 on the road)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Reggie Jackson
- SG: Terance Mann
- SF: Paul George
- PF: Marcus Morris Sr.
- C: Nic Batum
Clippers head coach Ty Lue is getting another challenge in coming up with the optimal combination of players on the floor against a new opponent and without Leonard. In the Jazz series, Los Angeles thrived by going small-ball.
Against the Suns, LA needs their big men back. Ivica Zubac and DeMarcus Cousins played significant minutes in Game 1, combining for 20 points in 31, and don’t expect Lue to scale their playing time down, considering the dominance shown in the series opener by Ayton. Meanwhile, Terance Mann, Nic Batum, and Marcus Morris all didn’t factor much for the Clippers in the loss to the Suns, with each scoring no more than nine points.
The Clippers can’t leave Paul George doing most of the heavy lifting. Reggie Jackson had 24 points in Game 1, but apart from him and PG13 (34 points), no other Clipper scored more than 11 points.
Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS in their last five games after a full day of rest.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Suns are playing like a well-oiled machine with several pieces capable of stepping up. George and Booker basically cancel out each other, but when it comes to the supporting cast, the Suns have a clear edge. Take the Suns to win and cover (-5).
Over/Under: Adjustments will be made by both teams in Game 2, which could lead to a more deliberate pace and better defense. Take the Under (224.5)
