Clippers vs Suns Game 3 Prediction NBA Playoffs Picks 4/20

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Game Preview: Suns vs Clippers Pregame - Los Angeles, Phoenix tied 1-1 heading to game 3

The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers will face off in game three of the Western Conference first round with the series tied 1-1. This game is set to take place in Los Angeles at 10:30 p.m. EDT, where the Clippers are expected to win by 2.5 points with an over/under of 228. NBA picks experts and NBA picks computer predictions have been mixed, making it difficult to predict the outcome of the game. However, NBA today experts and NBA picks and parlay experts have analyzed the matchup and provided their predictions. The Suns have been performing well lately with a 7-3 record in their last ten games while averaging 114.0 points per game. On the other hand, the Clippers have a 6-4 record in their last ten games, with an average of 118.7 points per game. The game will showcase some top performers. Russell Westbrook is averaging 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists for the Clippers. Meanwhile, Devin Booker is leading the Suns with an average of 38 points per game. The Clippers are 27-25 against conference opponents and 20-25 against opponents over .500. The Suns, on the other hand, have a 23-24 record against opponents over .500 and a 9-7 record against opponents in the Pacific Division. NBA experts picks today suggest that this game will be a close call, and it is difficult to predict the winner with certainty. However, NBA picks with spread and NBA predictions today suggest that the Clippers will be able to secure a win in a closely contested game. Injuries could also play a role in the outcome of the game, with Cameron Payne out for the Suns and Paul George out for the Clippers. Overall, this game promises to be an exciting match, with both teams looking to gain the upper hand and take the series lead. NBA picks and parlays experts will be closely following the game and providing real-time analysis of the action.

Suns: Offensive Analysis

As the Phoenix Suns gear up for Game 3 against the Los Angeles Clippers, it's time to take a closer look at their offensive game. With the series tied 1-1, both teams are looking to gain an advantage over the other, and it all starts with their offensive strategy. According to NBA picks experts, the Suns have a solid offensive game. They average 113.7 points per game, putting them at 17th in the league in terms of scoring. On the defensive end, they allow just 111.6 points per game, ranking them 6th in the league. Despite not being one of the top-scoring teams in the league, the Suns have a positive average score margin of 2.1, which is 9th best in the league. The Suns thrive on their ability to share the ball and make plays. Their 27.3 assists per game is the 3rd best in the league, and they have an assists/FGM ratio of 0.647, which is the 3rd best in the league as well. Chris Paul has been a key player in this regard, averaging 1.7 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games. When it comes to shooting efficiency, the Suns have an effective field goal percentage of 53.6%, which is 22nd in the league. They shoot 37.4% from the three-point line, which is 7th in the league, and their overall shooting percentage is 46.9%, which is 22nd in the league. They average 42.2 FGM per game, ranking them 14th in the league, and their 89.9 FGA per game is 9th in the league. The Suns also excel in rebounding, averaging 52.5 total rebounds per game, which is 8th in the league. Their 11.7 offensive rebounds per game is 7th in the league, and they have a 26.5% offensive rebound percentage, which is 5th in the league. In terms of turnovers, the Suns average 13.5 turnovers per game, which is 10th in the league. They have a turnovers/Play ratio of 11.8%, which is 7th best in the league. However, they also commit 21.3 personal fouls per game, which is 27th in the league. Overall, the Suns have a solid offensive game that is centered around ball movement, sharing the ball, and making efficient shots. If they can continue to execute their offensive strategy while also minimizing turnovers and fouls, they have a strong chance of coming away with a win in Game 3.

Suns: Defensive Analysis

Heading into Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Clippers, the Suns find themselves tied 1-1. In the last meeting, Phoenix beat the Clippers 123-109, with Devin Booker leading the Suns with 38 points. The defensive analysis for the Suns will be crucial in determining the outcome of this game. The Suns have a solid defense that ranks sixth in the league in opponent points per game, allowing only 111.6 points per game. They also have a good defensive value ranking of #6, indicating that they are efficient in preventing opponents from scoring. Their defense is anchored by Deandre Ayton, who averages 10.5 rebounds per game and 0.9 blocks per game. Torrey Craig also contributes to the Suns' defense, averaging 0.9 steals per game. Additionally, their opponents' effective field goal percentage is ranked fifth in the league at 53.1%. However, the Suns could improve their defense in terms of opponent free throw attempts and opponent offensive rebounds. They rank #30 in opponent free throw attempts per field goal attempt, and #14 in opponent total rebounds per game. To win Game 3, the Suns need to limit the Clippers' offensive rebounds and free throw attempts. Overall, the Suns have a good defense that can hold the Clippers to a lower score. If they can improve their defense against free throw attempts and offensive rebounds, they have a great chance of winning Game 3 and taking a 2-1 series lead. NBA picks and predictions experts should consider the Suns' strong defense when making their picks and parlay predictions for this game.

Clippers: Offense Analysis

The Los Angeles Clippers are set to host the Phoenix Suns in game three of the Western Conference first round with the series tied at 1-1. The Clippers are a 2.5-point favorite with the over/under set at 228. In this pregame analysis, we will focus on the Clippers' offense and their chances of grabbing a win against the Suns. According to the nbapicksexperts, the Clippers have a solid offense that could pose a challenge to the Suns. Their offense ranks 9th in the league in average score margin with a +2.1, and they have been averaging 118.7 points per game in their last ten games while shooting 49.9% from the field. However, the Suns' defense ranks 6th in the league in points allowed with 111.6 points per game, making it a tough matchup for the Clippers. In terms of individual performances, the Clippers have some top performers who could lead their offense against the Suns. Kawhi Leonard is averaging 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and four assists over the past ten games for Los Angeles. Russell Westbrook is averaging 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists for the Clippers. However, they will need to be at their best to overcome the Suns' formidable defense. The nbapickscomputer suggests that the Clippers will need to improve their three-point shooting to overcome the Suns' defense. The Clippers are shooting 37.4% from beyond the arc, which ranks 7th in the league, but the Suns' defense ranks 5th with an effective field goal percentage of 53.1%. The Clippers' offense also ranks 27th in the league in free throw attempt rate with a percentage of 0.242, which could hurt their chances of getting easy points against the Suns. In conclusion, the Clippers will need to step up their three-point shooting and free throw attempts to overcome the Suns' defense. With top performers like Leonard and Westbrook, they have the potential to make things difficult for the Suns, but it will require a collective effort from their offense to get the job done. 

Clippers: Defensive Analysis

As the Los Angeles Clippers prepare to host the Phoenix Suns in game three of the Western Conference first round, their defense will be a key factor in securing a win. The Clippers are tied 1-1 in the series and will need to step up defensively to take control. According to NBA picks experts and NBA picks computers, the Clippers are favored by 2.5 points with an over/under of 228. The experts at NBA picks and parlay predict a win for the Clippers, but the Suns are not to be underestimated. In their last meeting, the Suns beat the Clippers 123-109, with Devin Booker leading the Suns with 38 points. The Clippers will need to focus on defending against Booker and limiting his scoring opportunities. The Clippers must also improve their defense against conference opponents, as they are currently 27-25 in those games. Additionally, their defense against opponents over .500 needs improvement, as they are 20-25 in those games. To counter the Suns' offense, the Clippers will need standout defensive performances from Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook. Leonard is averaging 23.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and four assists over the past 10 games, while Westbrook is averaging 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists. Overall, the Clippers will need a strong defensive effort to secure the win against the Suns. With proper defensive execution, the Clippers should be able to pull ahead in the series and continue their playoff run. 

Injury Report

Both the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers have injury concerns heading into Game 3 of their Western Conference first-round series. For the Clippers, Paul George remains out with a leg injury. George averaged 23.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game during the regular season, and his absence has been felt in the playoffs, where he has yet to play. The Suns, meanwhile, will be without backup point guard Cameron Payne due to a back injury. Payne has been an important contributor off the bench for Phoenix, averaging 8.4 points and 3.6 assists per game during the regular season. While George's absence is a significant blow to the Clippers, they have been able to overcome it thus far thanks to strong performances from Kawhi Leonard and others. Phoenix's depth could be tested without Payne, but they still have plenty of weapons and a superstar in Devin Booker. Overall, injuries will play a role in this game, but they may not be the deciding factor. Look for both teams to adjust and adapt as necessary to make the most of the players they have available.

Betting Trends

In terms of betting trends, the Phoenix Suns have been a solid pick for NBA experts and computer models this season. They have a 45-37 record and have been one of the top teams in the Western Conference all year. The Suns have been particularly impressive against the spread, going 42-40 ATS in the regular season. On the other side, the Los Angeles Clippers are a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to betting trends. They have a 44-38 record and have been a solid team all season, but they have not been quite as reliable against the spread. The Clippers finished the regular season with a record of 38-44 ATS. When it comes to predictions for this specific game, many NBA experts are split on this matchup. Some are leaning towards the Phoenix Suns as the stronger team, while others believe that the Clippers have what it takes to come out on top. While it's still early in the series, the Suns have already shown that they are not to be taken lightly, particularly on the offensive end of the court. Overall, the betting trends suggest that the Suns are a strong pick for this game, particularly when it comes to betting against the spread. However, as with any NBA game, anything can happen, and it will be up to both teams to bring their best game if they want to come out on top.

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