The Los Angeles Clippers proved they aren’t dead in Game 3 versus the Phoenix Suns, losing by just five without Kawhi Leonard.
But it’s hard to believe there’s enough life in them to pull off a massive Game 4 upset without their superstar once again.
Now in the “Kawhi-light Zone,” it’s now or never for the other guys on the Clips to make this a competitive series, and avoid going down 3-1 with a trip to Phoenix on Tuesday.
Let’s take a look at the best picks, craziest odds and other free picks with great value heading into tonight’s pivotal matchup.
All odds, lines, and spreads are provided courtesy of BetMGM.
BetMGM: It’s Time To Change The Game
Best Picks in Clippers vs Suns (-7.5) Game 4
Clippers 1Q ML: +150
Kawhi Leonard has already been ruled out for Game 4, but if there’s any indication that the Clippers can play high-level basketball without him, Game 3 was it.
Breaking: The Clippers have ruled Kawhi Leonard out for Game 4 vs. the Suns. pic.twitter.com/gVAiDup5JP
— ESPN (@espn) April 22, 2023
LA put up a valiant effort on Thursday, but ultimately lost to the Suns 129-124. Norman Powell had 42 points and Russell Westbrook turned back the clock with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland also had 20.
It’s hard to believe the Clippers will get the same output from those three, but they’ll be relying on better games from Eric Gordon, Nicolas Batum and Marcus Morris to pick up the slack.
Expect this team to come out firing.
This is a must-win for LA, and they know it. Going back to Phoenix down 3-1 is a nightmare scenario.
If they come out sluggish and fall behind, it’s hard to give them a chance in this game. Ty Lue will have this team coming out hot right from the opening tip.
Winning Margin: Suns by 6-10 +400
Clippers fans, look away. It’s hard to predict they will win this game.
It’s highly unlikely Powell, Westbrook and Hyland repeat their performances from Game 3, and it seems Devin Booker has hit his stride for the Suns.
With Booker on, and Kevin Durant, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton there to back him up, it’s very hard for top teams to win against Phoenix, let alone a team without their two best players.
While the Clippers may come out hot, Phoenix should be in control for most of the second half.
Under 225.5
The final scores in the first three games have gone like this: 225, 222, 253.
It’s no surprise the over/ under is inflated after a wild offensive battle on Thursday, but don’t fall for the trap.
The Clippers are coming into this game in desperation mode; lose and your season is virtually over. That means they’ll be playing lots of defense.
Phoenix has the offensive talent to make LA pay for aggressive defense, especially if they leave shooters open, but that style of play can also disrupt the entire game.
And if the Clippers’ top players aren’t recreating their production from Game 3, it’s highly unlikely they score in the 120s again.
Craziest Odds
Will Devin Booker Have a Double-Double? No, -5000; Yes, +900
Devin Booker isn’t known for getting double-doubles, and the odds reflect that.
However, he has five this season, and 41 in his career, so it’s not impossible. In fact, there’s almost a 1/10 chance of it happening.
He’s played in 56 games this season, which means he’s had a double-double in 8.9% of his games.
Sounds like a longshot, right?
Well, he had 38 points and 9 assists in Game 2, so don’t rule it out.
The craziest part about these odds is the -5000 number, whereas Kevin Durant is only -450 for the same category and also has only five on the season in 50 total games.
It’s not likely, but Devin Booker getting a double-double at +900 isn’t a bad deal.
Free Picks
In addition to the Best Picks, here’s a few more odds with great value in tonight’s game:
Russell Westbrook Triple-Double: Yes, +360
Total Points: 211-220, +325
Race to 10 Points: Clippers, +115
Clippers Win by 1-5, +500
Kevin Durant OVER 41.5 Points+Rebounds+Assists, -105
Game 4 will be at 12:30 PM Pacific Time (3:30 PM ET) on TNT.
Go with your gut, and bet responsibly.
