Suns vs Clippers Game 2 Prediction NBA Playoffs Picks 4/18

© Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Game Preview: Los Angeles Clippers vs Phoenix Suns - NBA Playoff Predictions and Picks

The Los Angeles Clippers will take a 1-0 lead into Game 2 against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference first round. The Suns have gone 9-7 against division opponents and are the worst team in the NBA for scoring fastbreak points per game at 10.5. The Clippers have a 20-25 record against opponents over .500 and are led by Kawhi Leonard, who scored 38 points in the last matchup between these two teams. NBA picks experts and NBA picks computer predictions all point to a close game, with the Suns favored by 7.5 points and an over/under of 225. NBA today experts pick the Clippers to cover the spread and potentially even steal a victory on the road. NBA picks and parlay options are also available for bettors looking to maximize their potential winnings. Players to watch include Chris Paul, who is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Phoenix, and Russell Westbrook, who is averaging 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists for the Clippers. Kevin Durant needs to be more aggressive on the court if the Suns want to win, according to NBA analyst J-Will. This game is sure to be a thrilling matchup between two talented teams, with the outcome of the series potentially hinging on the result. 

Clippers: Offensive Analysis

The Los Angeles Clippers come into Game 2 against the Phoenix Suns with a 1-0 series lead, thanks in large part to the spectacular performance of Kawhi Leonard, who dropped 38 points in the first game. However, the Clippers’ offensive success goes far beyond just Leonard. Russell Westbrook has been a reliable scorer for the Clippers, averaging 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists over the past ten games. Westbrook’s ability to distribute the ball effectively and create scoring opportunities for his teammates will be crucial in the second game. Despite the absence of Paul George due to injury, the Clippers have been able to maintain a strong offensive presence thanks in part to the play of Marcus Morris, who has been averaging 14.3 points per game over the past ten games. The Clippers’ offense has been balanced and efficient all season long, ranking 11th in effective field goal percentage, 13th in shooting percentage, and 3rd in three-point percentage. Their shooting efficiency has been particularly impressive, as they rank 11th in the league in this category. However, one area where the Clippers need to improve is in their ability to capitalize on fast-break opportunities. They rank just 21st in the league in fast-break points per game at 12.9, which is an area where the Suns excel defensively. In order to continue their offensive success, the Clippers will need to show more aggressiveness in attacking the basket and seeking out scoring opportunities. They will also need to rely on their strong shooting ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc and create space on the floor. Overall, the Clippers’ offensive prowess and ability to execute will be crucial in the second game against the Suns. Fans should look out for the team’s strong shooting and efficient ball movement in order to secure another win and further cement their lead in the series.

Clippers: Defensive Analysis

The Los Angeles Clippers go into game 2 against the Phoenix Suns with a 1-0 lead in the series. They won the last matchup 115-110, led by 38 points from Kawhi Leonard, while Kevin Durant scored 27 points for the Suns. The Clippers have a chance to extend their lead, and their defense will be vital in achieving that. The Clippers have a solid defense, ranking 12th in the league in points allowed per game at 113.0. They also rank 11th in total rebounds per game, with 51.5. This is due to the strong play of Russell Westbrook and Kawhi Leonard, who average 5.8 and 6.5 rebounds per game, respectively. In addition, the Clippers are adept at blocking shots, averaging 4.4 blocks per game, which ranks them 21st in the league. This is largely thanks to the presence of Ivica Zubac on the team, who averages 1.1 blocks per game. The Clippers' perimeter defense is also solid, with the team ranking 15th in opponent three-point percentage at 36.5%. This will be crucial against the Suns, who rank seventh in the league in three-point percentage at 37.4%. The Clippers will need to disrupt the Suns' rhythm from beyond the arc in order to come away with another win. Overall, the Clippers' defense will need to continue to play at a high level in order to contain the Suns' potent offense. With strong defense, the Clippers have a real chance to extend their lead in the series and move one step closer to the second round of the playoffs.

Suns: Offensive Analysis

The Phoenix Suns will need to bring their A-game offensively if they want to overcome their 1-0 series deficit against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Suns have been averaging 114.2 points per game over their last 10 games, shooting 46.2% from the field. However, they face a significant challenge going up against the Clippers' defense, which has allowed just 111.6 points per game this season, ranking 6th in the league. One key player to watch for the Suns will be Kevin Durant, who has been averaging 27.0 points per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. J-Will has called for Durant to be more aggressive on the court if the Suns want to win, and he will need to step up if they want to stay competitive in this series. Another player to watch for the Suns will be Chris Paul, who has been averaging 1.9 made three-pointers over his last 10 games. Paul's ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc will be crucial in opening up the floor for the rest of the Suns' offense. Overall, the Suns will need to find ways to score against one of the league's top defenses. They will need to move the ball effectively and knock down shots from beyond the arc to keep up with the Clippers' offense. Expert NBA picks and computer NBA picks may favor the Clippers in this matchup, but the Suns have the firepower to make it a close game. NBA predictions today will likely give a slight edge to the Clippers, but if the Suns can execute their game plan effectively, they could come away with a much-needed win.

Suns: Defensive Analysis

In the first game of the series against the Clippers, the Suns struggled defensively, allowing 115 points and failing to contain Kawhi Leonard who scored 38 points. However, over their last 10 games, the Suns have been one of the best defensive teams in the league, only allowing an average of 108.3 points per game. This bodes well for their chances in game two as they look to even the series. Chris Paul has been the anchor of the Suns defense, averaging 1.5 steals per game and playing smart, controlled defense that disrupts opposing offenses. He will be key in limiting the Clippers' offensive output and forcing turnovers. The Suns also have to improve their rebounding, as they were outrebounded 45-35 in game one. Deandre Ayton, who averages 10.5 rebounds per game, has to step up and provide a presence in the paint on both ends of the court. The Clippers are a dangerous offensive team, ranking 11th in points per game and shooting efficiency. However, the Suns are capable of slowing them down with their strong defense and limiting their chances in transition. In order for the Suns to even the series, they have to tighten up defensively and limit the scoring opportunities of the Clippers. If they can do this, they have a good chance of winning game two and shifting the momentum in their favor. NBA Picks Experts and NBA Picks Computers predict a close game, but the Suns have the potential to come out on top.

Injury Report:

Los Angeles Clippers: - Paul George (leg) is out for this game. Phoenix Suns: - Cameron Payne (back) is out for this game. Injuries can have a significant impact on the outcomes of NBA games. Both teams have key players who are injured for this game. The Clippers will be without Paul George, a player who is averaging 23.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game this season. On the other hand, the Suns will be missing Cameron Payne, who has been an important player off the bench for them this season. However, both teams have enough depth to cover for their injured players. The Clippers have the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Russell Westbrook, and Marcus Morris Sr. who can step up and fill the void left by Paul George. The Suns, on the other hand, have a strong backcourt featuring Devin Booker and Chris Paul, who can handle the ball and make plays. Overall, injuries are a part of the game, and both teams will have to adjust their game plans accordingly. It will be interesting to see how the teams adapt and perform without their injured players. 

Betting Trends

When it comes to NBA picks, experts and computers alike will likely take note of the Los Angeles Clippers' recent success against the Phoenix Suns. With a 1-0 lead in the series, the Clippers will enter Tuesday's game looking to build on their momentum and secure another victory. In terms of betting trends, it's worth noting that the Suns have gone 9-7 against division opponents this season, while the Clippers are 9-7 against opponents from the Pacific Division. Additionally, Phoenix is the worst team in the NBA when it comes to fastbreak points, averaging just 10.5 per game. This could be a factor to consider when making NBA picks and predictions. As for the Clippers, they have been playing at a high level as of late, winning seven of their last ten games while averaging 120.5 points per game during that stretch. However, they will be without the services of Paul George, who is out due to a leg injury. All of these factors will likely impact NBA picks and parlay options for this game. However, with a 7.5-point spread in favor of the Suns, bettors may want to consider taking the Clippers and the points, as they have shown they can compete with Phoenix and could potentially pull off an upset on the road.

Prediction