Last night the Phoenix Suns recovered from back-to-back losses by pounding the Clippers 140-100 in Arizona. They will get a chance this evening to double up Los Angeles, only this time the action will take place at the STAPLES Center. The tip off between these two division rivals is set for 10:30pm ET.
Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers NBA Picks at Sportsbook.com have the Suns listed as a -8 against the spread road favorite.
Phoenix performed poorly enough in the season's first half that management decided to fire first year Head Coach Terry Porter just before the All-Star break. The Suns 29-22 record did not meet expectations given the abundance of talent on the team's roster. General Manager Steve Kerr indicated that he would like to see the team return to the up-tempo style they have featured over the last several years.
The Suns certainly granted his wish last night as they poured in a season high 140 points against the hapless Clippers. Phoenix hit 56 of their 90 field goal attempts in the shellacking and six players scored in double figures for interim Head Coach Alvin Gentry. Leandro Barbosa led his team with a game high 24 points.
Phoenix is now 29-23 on the year and in second place in the Pacific division; they trail the first place Lakers by 13.5 games. Despite their lofty position in the division race, the Suns are in ninth place in the Western Conference overall standings and they are a game behind the Utah Jazz for the final playoff spot.
Gentry's team is just 14-13 on the road this year, but they rank fourth in the league in road scoring average at 102.5. Phoenix is 5-5 in their last 10 games versus the Clippers in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles is in fourth place in the Pacific division and a mere 30.5 games behind the Lakers. Shockingly, their 13-41 record has not earned them the division cellar, although, they are just two games ahead of the Kings with over 20 contests still left in the season.
The Clippers, who are 6-20 at the STAPLES Center, average a league worst 92 points per game at home.
Sportsbook.com's Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers NBA Picks:
Phoenix Suns -8 (-110), Over 227.5 (-110), -375 (Moneyline)
Los Angeles Clippers +8 (-110), Under 227.5 (-110), +305 (Moneyline)
NBA Picks Betting Trend: The Clippers are 0-10 straight up and 2-8 against the spread in their last 10 games as a home underdog with a spread between 8 and 10.5.
