The Phoenix Suns will get another shot at eliminating the LA Clippers this Wednesday. The Clippers will be playing at home, though, so the crowd will be behind them in their attempt to force a Game 7. Check out our preview of this game below.
The Suns wasted a grand opportunity to close out the Clippers, as they took a 116-102 home loss in Game 5 against Paul George and company. Not only that but the Clippers were not able to take advantage of the Clippers’ slim frontcourt that didn’t have Ivica Zubac. Devin Booker scored 31 points but shot just 9/22. Chris Paul scored 22 points (8/19) to go with eight assists. Phoenix probably should have given Deandre Ayton more touches, considering the absence of Zubac. Ayton went 5/9 from the field for just 10 points, though he did have 11 rebounds in 37 minutes. The Suns are still in good shape. They just need to play with more control and cut down on their turnovers and they should be just fine in Game 6. Expect the Suns’ coaching staff to make the necessary adjustments.
The Suns are 5-1 against the spread in their last six road games.
The Clippers are back in the game. The momentum is now theirs and they’re going to play at home in Game 6. That’s the best scenario for them right now, but hopefully for them, they’ll at least have Zubac for Game 6. The center, whose rebounding and presence in the middle have been crucial for the Clippers, who are already missing Kawhi Leonard, was ruled out of Game 5 because of a right knee problem. If he can’t go this Wednesday, the Clippers likely would field another small starting unit with Marcus Morris acting as “center.” Speaking of Morris, he had 22 points in Game 5, giving the Clippers a solid boost early in the game to prevent Phoenix from gaining too much confidence at home. Los Angeles is also fortunate to have Reggie Jackson, who is averaging 21.8 points in the series. Then there’s Paul George, who is doing everything he can to cover for the void temporarily left by Leonard. George had 41 points in Game 5, and should continue to be a huge problem for Phoenix’s defense.
The Clippers are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 home games.
