As the 2024-25 NBA season tips off, the Phoenix Suns will take on the Los Angeles Clippers at the Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday night. Both teams have intriguing storylines going into this matchup, but they face very different circumstances. With Kawhi Leonard already ruled out due to a knee injury, the Clippers will rely heavily on a depleted roster, while the Suns look ready to build on last season’s performances with their star-studded lineup.

Matchup Overview

The Suns will hit the road with their “big three” of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, aiming to improve on last season’s 49-33 record (24-17 on the road). On the other hand, the Clippers, who finished 51-31 last year, have to make do without Leonard, and Paul George’s departure to Philadelphia further compounds their challenges.

In the betting markets, the Suns are favored by 4.5 points as of October 23. This game is expected to be fast-paced, with the over/under total set at 223.5 points. Public betting trends show strong backing for Phoenix, with 67% of bettors siding with the Suns against the spread (ATS) and 81% expecting the total to go under.

Player Prop Highlights

Some key players will be heavily scrutinized in this matchup, particularly on the Suns side. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant lead the way in terms of points expectations, with their scoring totals set at 25.5 and 24.5 points, respectively. For the Clippers, James Harden, who is expected to carry a significant offensive load, has a points prop of 22.5.

Key Player Props:

• Bradley Beal (PHX): 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists
• Devin Booker (PHX): 25.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists
• Kevin Durant (PHX): 24.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists
• James Harden (LAC): 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists
• Jusuf Nurkic (PHX): 9.5 points, 10.5 rebounds
• Norman Powell (LAC): 18.5 points

Predictions and Analysis

The Suns enter this season with a revamped sense of urgency after falling short of expectations last year. Despite a strong roster on paper, Phoenix struggled to cover the spread (35-49-2 ATS) during the 2023-24 campaign, leaving fans and analysts alike hoping for a more cohesive performance this year. With the trio of Durant, Booker, and Beal having had more time to gel, the Suns should come into this game with improved chemistry.

On the Clippers’ side, the absence of Leonard and the departure of Paul George puts a tremendous amount of pressure on James Harden. Though Harden remains a capable scorer and playmaker, it’s difficult to see him lifting this shorthanded Clippers squad over a Suns team that boasts superior talent and depth. Derrick Jones Jr. and Norman Powell are solid contributors, but their impact may not be enough to offset the loss of Leonard.

Prediction: The Suns are well-positioned to dominate this matchup, even on the road. With Leonard out and the Clippers’ roster looking thin, Phoenix’s depth and star power should overwhelm Los Angeles. Expect the Suns to cover the 4.5-point spread and for the total to go under 223.5 points, given the Clippers’ offensive limitations without Leonard.

Final Thoughts

Phoenix looks set to start their season strong against a struggling Clippers team. As the Suns aim for redemption after a disappointing 2023-24 season, this game offers a great opportunity to showcase their potential, while the Clippers will likely struggle to keep pace without two of their top players.
Prediction: Suns 112, Clippers 102