Guard Russell Westbrook goes to be key if the Clippers are to copy their excellent efficiency in Sport 1 the place they received 115-110 on the street. The Suns host the Clippers for Sport 2 of the primary spherical of the Western Convention Playoffs. The sport is predicted to tip-off at 10:00 PM ET, Tuesday, April 18th, 2023.
Regardless of their success in Sport 1, the Clippers are a hefty 7.5 level underdog, with doubts Westbrook can assist the Clippers take a 2-0 sequence lead.
IS RUSSELL WESTBROOK MADE FOR THE PLAYOFFS?
After the Clippers 115-110 win over the Suns on Sunday, Westbrook has now had two of the best 3-19 taking pictures video games of all time.
The final time Westbrook shot 3-19 from the sector was in Sport 4, Spherical 1 of the 2021 playoffs towards the 76ers.
His stats included 19 factors, 21 rebounds, 14 assists and two steals and in Sunday’s emphatic win he totaled simply 9 factors, however had 11 rebounds and eight assists and his defensive clinic on Phoenix star Kevin Durant needed to be seen to be believed.
He additionally arguably made the very best play of the competition with 10.1 seconds left when he blocked Phoenix Guard Devin Booker’s layup.
Learn extra: Why Russell Westbrook Taking pictures 3-19 Is a Profitable Method
MATCH PREVIEW
The Clippers have introduced their presence as a formidable playoff contender with a press release win towards the Suns in Sport 1. Led by the return of Kawhi Leonard, who showcased his playoff prowess with 38 factors on 13-of-24 taking pictures, the Clippers wish to lengthen their result in 2-0 within the Western Convention sequence after they go to the Suns.
Leonard’s efficiency overshadowed even the extremely anticipated playoff debut of Durant for the Suns, because the two-time NBA Finals MVP additionally contributed 5 rebounds and 5 assists to associate with his scoring. Regardless of a robust exhibiting from Durant, who recorded 27 factors, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds, the Suns suffered their first loss in 9 video games with him on the ground.
The Clippers additionally obtained a major contribution from Westbrook, who regardless of struggling together with his taking pictures, made essential performs down the stretch. Eric Gordon additionally stepped up with 19 factors, filling the void left by the absence of Paul George attributable to a knee damage.
The Suns, led by Booker’s 26 factors, struggled early and trailed by 16 factors within the second quarter however mounted a comeback with a 15-0 run within the third quarter to take the lead. Nevertheless, the Clippers confirmed their resilience and outplayed the Suns within the closing moments to safe the victory.
Because the sequence strikes to Sport 2, the Suns will look to regroup and make changes to bounce again, whereas the Clippers will purpose to keep up their momentum and take a commanding 2-0 lead. With the absence of George and the return of Leonard, the Clippers will depend on their depth and flexibility, whereas the Suns will want Durant and Booker to proceed their scoring prowess and get extra help from their position gamers, together with Chris Paul.
ODDS AND PREDICTIONS
The Suns are favored by a big margin, however historical past reveals that they’ve struggled to cowl the unfold in comparable conditions previously. With a 1-4 document towards the unfold of their final 5 video games as favorites of seven factors or extra, the Suns have a troublesome problem forward of them.
Though the Suns might come away with a win, the Clippers, led by the likes of Leonard and Westbrook, have the firepower to maintain the sport shut. The Clippers have a strong monitor document as underdogs, going 5-5 towards the unfold of their final 10 video games on this position. Anticipate a aggressive sport with the Clippers preserving it shut all through.
With these elements in thoughts, taking the Clippers to cowl the unfold might be a smart betting selection. However keep in mind, it’s vital to take into account that sports activities betting all the time entails a level of danger, and there’s no assure that Westbrook will be capable to mimic his efficiency from Sport 1. As all the time, it’s important to do your analysis and make an knowledgeable choice based mostly on the obtainable knowledge.
Unfold: Suns -7.5
Moneyline: Suns -325, Clippers +250
Decide: Clippers +7.5
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