The Phoenix Suns (19-56) look to put an end to their 12-game losing streak when they meet the Los Angeles Clippers (40-34) at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Arizona.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns Free Prediction
The Clippers will be looking for similar success after beating the Milwaukee Bucks in their last outing, 105-98. Los Angeles’ 12.2 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Milwaukee, who had a mark of 14.7. The Clippers’ mark was better than their season average of 12.7. Los Angeles was led by DeAndre Jordan, who had 12 points and 16 rebounds.
In the Suns’ last matchup, they lost to the Boston Celtics, 102-94. Converting at the free throw line was one of Boston’s largest advantages. They were 14-14 (100.0 percent), while the Suns were just 10-19 (52.6 percent). Josh Jackson put together a good game for Phoenix, leading both teams in scoring with 23 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
The physical Phoenix offense might be getting to the free throw line a lot in this showdown. The Suns rank seventh in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.206, while Los Angeles ranks 22nd in FTA rate allowed (0.204).
Los Angeles holds records of 40-34 straight up (SU) and 39-33-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Clippers games, with 39 overs compared to 33 unders.
Meanwhile, Phoenix owns records of 19-56 SU and 33-40-2 ATS. Unlike Los Angeles, games featuring the Suns have a slight tendency to finish under the O/U total (50.7 percent).
Jackson has averaged 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.6 steals over the last five games for Phoenix.
The Clippers have emerged victorious in all three contests against the Suns this year, including a 128-117 victory the last time these teams met. Los Angeles covered as a 5.5-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 245 points, which was 14.5 points above the projected point total of 230.5 points. Los Angeles did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (24-32; 75.0 percent). Phoenix, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (7.9 vs. 13.7). Tobias Harris put up a double-double in the victory with 30 points and 12 rebounds.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Suns, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Los Angeles is 23-14-1 ATS with 19 overs and 19 unders.
Phoenix is 13-23-1 ATS at home with 18 overs, 18 unders and 1 push.
In games where they allow below 100 points, Los Angeles is 12-2 and Phoenix is 6-2.
When reaching 100 points, the Suns are 15-32 and the Clippers are 38-23.
Los Angeles averages 51.3 points in the paint per game, which ranks third in the NBA. Phoenix ranks 26th in points allowed in the paint per game (47.3).
The Suns average 14.3 fast break points per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Clippers rank 29th in fast break points allowed per game (15.2).
Los Angeles ranks fifth in second chance points per game (13.6) while Phoenix ranks 23rd in second chance points allowed per game (13.1).
The Clippers average 43.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 15th in the league. The Suns rank 29th in rebounds allowed per game (46.0).
Los Angeles ranks 14th in steals per game (7.8) while Phoenix ranks 27th (6.9).
The Clippers rank 17th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Suns rank 29th in blocks allowed per game (6.0).
Los Angeles averages 16.2 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 18th in the NBA. Phoenix ranks 29th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.8).
The Clippers rank 21st in assists per game (22.3) while the Suns rank 29th (21.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Los Angeles is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Phoenix is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Clippers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.2, up from 1.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 97.0 points per game (6.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 113.2 points per game (0.5 below their season average).
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