Phoenix Suns VS Los Angeles Clippers Play and Write UP

Coming into the playoffs I thought the Suns and Clippers were the best two teams in the Western Conference and I am glad we are going to get to see this matchup.

This sets up for an interesting game 1 with Kawhi and CP3 being the main storylines that wont be able to play today. (CP3 Covid Protocols, Kawhi ACL)

I believe this game is going to come down to Chris Paul's absence more than the Kawhi Leonard absence, and I dont believe the suns will be able to adjust as easily as the clippers have been able to.

Kawhi is a top 5 player but Ty Lue has done a great job adjusting to the small ball line up with Jackson, Mann, George, Batum, Morris. All 5 players are a threat from 3, and they should be able to expose Ayton on the defensive end as they did to Gobert. Reggie Jackson has also stepped up with his clutch shot making and penetrating and getting his teammates involved.  

Clips have already proved they can adjust without Kawhi but I dont think the Suns can without Chris Paul. Cam Payne and Devin Booker will be running the offense and that is something I cant bet on. Suns also in a terrible spot coming off 7 ATS wins and a long layoff. Jazz were also up 20+ at halftime vs the clippers in game 6 and I think the Suns were expecting another day few days to prepare. With that being said...

Play

Clips +4

Clips +150 

Good Luck I may join you on Clips like the  

ML as well 

The Clippers have shown they can win games without Kawhi.  The availability of CP3 will be huge this series..Clippers +4 as well 

Suns will roll today I believe. Who is going to stop Devin?? Crowder will shutdown whoever!. Dont sleep on Bridges and Payne.BOL

I agree completely with your write up, Chris Paul is the key player for the Suns.  I still can’t make my mind up though, the way the Clippers have been playing you’d think easy win.  But to make it this far the Suns are obviously very good too.  I have a feeling not having Kawhi is going to hurt more than not having Paul.  This is just my two cents but I think I’m playing the Suns at home -4, and probably the over either in a parlay or separate.

It took a few games to figure out how to beat the Jazz Since they were outmatched.  It may take a few games to figure out the Suns too, and to now do it without Leonard may be too much to gameplan for.  Im leaning Suns G1 but havent made a bet yet.

The Jazz also live or die by the 3 and at the end, they died.  Phoenix doesnt play that way so for me its hard to figure out how they match up right now.