Alex Goodlett/Getty Images. Pictured: Paul George.
Clippers vs. Suns Game 2 Odds
| Clippers Odds | +4.5 |
| Suns Odds | -4.5 |
| Over/Under | 223 |
| Time | Channel | 9 p.m. ET | ESPN |
Even without Chris Paul, the Phoenix Suns continued to look like the best team left in the postseason in their Game 1 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, who are playing without Kawhi Leonard.
Phoenix took Game 1 with a gritty effort that saw it finish with a +9 advantage in rebounds and a +4 advantage in free-throw attempts.
The Suns are likely the better team at full-strength, but it wasn’t unreasonable to expect the young Suns to struggle sans Paul against a veteran-laden Clippers squad With the Suns ahead 1-0, it is the Clippers who will be searching for answers.
Tyronn Lue, who has long been one of the better coaches in terms of in-series adjustments, may look to DeMarcus Cousins more. The little-used veteran provided a big boost in Game 1, contributing 11 points and 4 rebounds in just under 15 minutes of playing time.
Of course, playing Cousins more isn’t some grand solution to all of the Clippers’ problems.
In fact, the combination of Ivica Zubac still provided more than Cousins, but they both played well enough to make Lue play a bit less “small-ball” if he wants to. The reason Lue may want to play small less is to provide longer rest periods for Marcus Morris Sr.
Morris has been a vital part of the Clippers’ small-ball lineup that has propelled them to the Western Conference Finals.
Morris was able to handle huge minute loads against the Jazz, and he went for 20+ points twice in that series.
Whether it comes from simply playing him less or putting him in different positions, the Clippers will need to find a way to get more offensively from Morris if they want to steal a game in Phoenix.
Realistically though, the Clippers really just need anyone not named “George” to step up in Game 2.
L.A. is currently a 4.5-point dog tonight against Phoenix, but the Game 2 spread has not always been at that number.
In fact, sharp bettors have been hammering away at a big betting model edge, forcing oddsmakers to adjust on the fly.
Let’s take a look at Clippers vs. Suns Game 2 in more detail.
Clippers vs. Suns Game 2 Predictions
Sharp Action
The line for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals opened at at Clippers +6 before it was pushed down to +4.5 ahead of Tuesday’s action.
Since Monday afternoon, there have been five Action Labs Bet Signals triggered on the Clippers.
This is a sign that wiseguys expect Lue, George and Co. to bounce back and keep this game close tonight.
Model Projections
The Action Network’s NBA PRO Projections make the spread Clippers +3.1 for Game 2, which translates to a 2.5% edge when compared to the current spread.
Considering the movement from +6 to +4.5, it also suggests that pros have already jumped on even better value at those prices.
PRO Report Pick: Clippers +4.5
