DraftKings Network - Everything you need to know for Suns vs. Clippers in the first round of 2023 NBA playoffsAnother great SB Nation bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52893/DKN_Favicon_32x32..png2023-04-14T13:14:15-07:00http://dknetwork.draftkings.com/rss/stream/234389112023-04-14T13:14:15-07:002023-04-14T13:14:15-07:00Los Angeles Clippers injury report for first round of 2023 NBA playoffs
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<img alt="Los Angeles Clippers v Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PdHRDReHXJ-kQb7U0u2k9_L_4vk=/0x0:4479x2986/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72168762/1467127297.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 16: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers defends Josh Okogie #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on February 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Clippers defeated the Suns 116-107. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. | Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s a look at which players are dealing with issues for the Clippers in the first round.</p> <p id="TjQLy3">With the 2022-23 regular season in the books, we can now shift our focus toward the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-playoffs">NBA playoffs</a>. While other teams around the league await their opponent through the play-in games, the No. 4 <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Phoenix Suns</a> (45-37) and No. 5 <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com">Los Angeles Clippers</a> (44-38) are locked into an opening round playoff series. Still, with injuries being a prevalent theme for both sides all year long, which version of the Clips will show up in the first round?</p>
<p id="gf2moS">Let’s take a look at the Clippers injury report and how it may impact the series.</p>
<h2 id="A49YH1">Clippers injury report</h2>
<p id="nIS5r6"><strong>April 14 update</strong> - Head coach Tyronn Lue said George will not play until his knee injury has recovered fully, which means there’s a chance he doesn’t come back for the first round at all.</p>
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<p id="DLKr8p">Most notably, LA has been without All-Star Paul George since March 21. In those nine games, the Clips are 6-3. Overall on the season, the Clippers are 12-14 without George in the lineup. As it is now, reports say George will at least miss the beginning of the opening series with the Suns. </p>
<p id="blrq6i">Aside from PG-13, Los Angeles may also be without Marcus Morris Sr., who missed the final game of the regular season with back issues. We’ll see what the Clips look like after a week of rest. In better news (and in what also feels rare), superstar Kawhi Leonard looks physically primed for a postseason run; He is currently without injury designation for the playoffs.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/4/11/23670207/clippers-injury-report-2023-nba-playoffs-first-round-vs-suns-paul-george-marcus-morrisGabriel Santiago2023-04-11T05:45:00-07:002023-04-11T05:45:00-07:00Best series props for Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers in first round of 2023 NBA playoffs
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<figcaption>PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 9: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers looks on during a free throw attempt by teammate Kawhi Leonard #2 during the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 9, 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE | Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here are some series props to consider for Clippers-Suns in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs.</p> <p id="ykNPin">In the opening round of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-playoffs">NBA playoffs</a>, the No. 4 seed <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Phoenix Suns</a> (45-37) will take on the No. 5 seed (44-38). With the action starting at Phoenix’ Footprint Center on Sunday, the Suns come in favored at <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook">DraftKings Sportsbook</a> to win game one (-300 ML) as well as the seven-game series (priced at -600).</p>
<h2 id="pF0TD8">Suns vs. Clippers series props</h2>
<h3 id="nxJyxG">Series Total Length Under 5.5 Games (-110)</h3>
<p id="sZHZxF">Even with standard juice, I still like under 5.5 games in this series, especially when I consider the absence of Paul George. Although George has not officially been ruled out for the opening series, it is probable that he misses at least the first game (with no definitive return). Without PG-13, I think the Suns are coming to the table with too much firepower for LA to handle. In either a sweep or gentleman’s sweep, I like Phoenix to advance in under six games.</p>
<h3 id="40mAfT">Series Spread: Phoenix Suns -2.5 Games (+100)</h3>
<p id="oZTUvc">Right in line with the previous prop bet, if the Suns win the series via sweep or 4-1 like I think they are capable of, that would also cash the Suns -2.5 series spread. In simpler terms, if you think the Clippers will have a tough time winning more than one game in this series, you can play this market for an even-money pay out. However, I imagine the juice will fluctuate accordingly when the next update around George’s injury surfaces.</p>
<h3 id="yYRiES">Clippers Series Winner (+400)</h3>
<p id="iQXpPs">With the lines as they currently are, there simply is no value on playing the Suns (-600) to win this first round series against the Clippers. On the opposite ends of the first two prop bets listed above, if the Suns somehow run into more injury woes, then there actually is value on playing the Clippers to win this series. Of course, if news circulates that PG-13 will play in the opening round, the series prices will become more narrow in this matchup. Still, paying back at 4/1, making a play on the Clips to advance to the second round could be worth a sprinkle. </p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/4/11/23670528/suns-vs-clippers-series-props-parlays-bets-odds-first-round-nba-playoffs-2023-spread-totalGabriel Santiago2023-04-11T05:40:00-07:002023-04-11T05:40:00-07:00Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers series predictions in first round of 2023 NBA playoffs
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<img alt="Phoenix Suns v Los Angeles Clippers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/H0P8kMOHp2LtAWKj8bnEtvV8DoM=/0x0:3383x2255/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72168770/1263935154.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 04: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers defends a shot from Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. | Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s an in-depth look at the matchup between Suns and Clippers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.</p> <p id="ykNPin">The No. 5 seed <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com">Los Angeles Clippers</a> (44-38) will travel for Game 1 against the No. 4 seed <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Phoenix Suns</a> (45-37) to start their first-round playoff series on Sunday. Even though these two sides were just a single game apart in the Western Conference standings, the Suns come in as a heavy favorite to win the best-of-seven series.</p>
<h2 id="pF0TD8">Clippers vs. Suns predictions</h2>
<p id="40mAfT">Odds to win series: Suns -600, Clippers +400<br>Regular season record: Suns 45-37, Clippers 44-38<br>Head-to-head record: Tied 2-2</p>
<p id="7uy5c6">Despite matching up in the final game of the regular season, the Suns and Clips will take a week off before facing off in a seven-game series. In 2022-23, the two split the four regular season meetings with the road team victorious each time. With that said, LA has not seen the Suns with Durant inserted into the lineup, making it twice as wise to sit KD last Sunday. Now in the postseason, the Clips will see a different beast in the Suns this coming Sunday.</p>
<h2 id="CCpum0">Pick: Suns in 5 games</h2>
<p id="3iEkdd">The Clippers and Suns finished just a single game apart, but these sides seem to be trending in different directions. Phoenix is still less than two years removed from playing in the Finals and has since bolstered its roster with more firepower. Naturally, since Durant has arrived (and recovered from an ankle injury), the Suns have seemed quite unbeatable—Phoenix is 8-0 in games that Durant has played. The fit with Chris Paul and Devin Booker has been undeniably cohesive, and this team is the favorite at <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/sportsbook">DraftKings Sportsbook</a> to win the West.</p>
<p id="MTQbzD">I don’t know if the Clippers can match up with this version of the Suns, but my doubts are doubled when I realize that Paul George may not return for Los Angeles this round. He has already been ruled out for the beginning of the series. Without George, we saw the Clips struggle against a Suns team last Sunday that played none of its starters: I’ll take Phoenix in five games, even against Kawhi Leonard and LA’s solid supporting cast.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/4/11/23670427/suns-vs-clippers-odds-picks-predictions-first-round-nba-playoffs-2023-durant-booker-leonard-georgeGabriel Santiago2023-04-11T05:30:00-07:002023-04-11T05:30:00-07:00Phoenix Suns injury report for first round of 2023 NBA playoffs
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<figcaption>PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 9: Kevin Durant #35 and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns smile during the game against the LA Clippers on April 9, 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE | Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s a look at which players are dealing with issues for the Suns in the first round.</p> <p id="TjQLy3">With the 2022-23 NBA regular season officially in the books, we turn our eyes toward the playoffs. Of course, several teams are awaiting the results of the play-in games, but the No. 4 seed <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Phoenix Suns</a> (45-37) and No. 5 seed <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com">Los Angeles Clippers</a> (44-38) are locked into an opening round series with one another.</p>
<p id="gf2moS">Let’s take a look at the Suns injury report and how it may impact the series.</p>
<h2 id="A49YH1">Suns injury report</h2>
<p id="Iky8Pk">Phoenix used its final two games of the regular season to get a head start on rest, sitting starters Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton. We know Durant and Ayton have notably dealt with lower body injuries this season, but both should be full-go for Game 1 against the Clips. Supporting cast members Cam Payne and Bismack Biyombo are both listed as day-to-day.</p>
<p id="59HpCQ">Health (or lack there of) has been a front & center theme for the Suns all season long, but they may be coming into full form at just the right time. Since Durant has returned from his most recent ankle injury, Phoenix has won all five games he has appeared in.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/4/11/23670204/suns-injury-report-2023-nba-playoffs-first-round-vs-clippers-payne-biyombo-booker-durant-aytonGabriel Santiago2023-04-09T15:19:45-07:002023-04-09T15:19:45-07:002023 NBA playoffs first round: No. 4 Suns vs. No. 5 Clippers schedule
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<img alt="Denver Nuggets v Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/F-ZyLbNjmnybexSqfngJ3bhnx3E=/0x0:4014x2676/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72163759/1250844327.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game on April 6, 2023 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. | Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s the schedule for the Suns taking on the Clippers in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs.</p> <p id="SK2Bx6">The <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Phoenix Suns</a> and <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com">Los Angeles Clippers</a> will meet in the first round of the 2023 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-playoffs">NBA playoffs</a> with both teams hoping to fulfill championship expectations. The Suns landed Kevin Durant at the trade deadline in their pursuit of a title, while the Clippers hope they’ll have both of their superstar tandem featuring Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for this series.</p>
<p id="ZjZovy">Here’s the full schedule for this first round series in the Western Conference.</p>
<h2 id="ffWL2P">No. 4 Suns vs. No. 5 Clippers schedule</h2>
<p id="4ykxpd">Game 1: Clippers @ Suns, Sunday, April 16, 8 p.m. ET, TNT<br>Game 2: Clippers @ Suns, Tuesday, April 18, 10 p.m. ET, TV Channel TBA<br>Game 3: Suns @ Clippers, Thursday, April 20, 10:30 p.m. ET, TV Channel TBA<br>Game 4: Suns @ Clippers, Saturday, April 22, 3:30 p.m. ET, TNT<br>*Game 5: Clippers @ Suns, Tuesday, April 25, 10 p.m. ET, TNT<br>*Game 6: Suns @ Clippers, Thursday, April 27, Time TBA, TV Channel TBA<br>*Game 7: Clippers @ Suns, Saturday, April 29, Time TBA, TV Channel TBA</p>
<p id="0hb483"><em>*Games 5-7 if necessary</em></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/4/9/23668438/suns-vs-clippers-nba-playoffs-2023-first-round-schedule-date-tv-channel-start-timeBrittany Jarret2023-04-09T15:17:11-07:002023-04-09T15:17:11-07:002023 NBA playoffs first round: No. 4 Suns vs. No. 5 Clippers preview
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<img alt="Los Angeles Clippers v Phoenix Suns" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dG-iL5uUj_U8ba6Wm6ZJ1fyW8wQ=/0x0:3420x2280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72163755/1467129642.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kawhi Leonard of the LA Clippers handles the ball against Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on February 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Clippers defeated the Suns 116-107. | Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s everything you need to know about the Suns taking on the Clippers in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs.</p> <p id="MbWTo1">The <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com">Phoenix Suns</a> and <a href="https://www.clipsnation.com">Los Angeles Clippers</a> will meet each other in the first round of the 2023 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nba-playoffs">NBA playoffs</a> in a Pacific division showdown. The Suns are hoping their big splash at the trade deadline will help them win it all, while the Clippers look for some level of success after landing Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in free agency back in 2019.</p>
<h2 id="7YOELZ">No. 4 Suns vs. No. 5 Clippers</h2>
<p id="a4ZLdT">Head-to-head record: Tied 2-2<br>Overall record: Suns 45-37, Clippers 44-38<br>Leading scorer on Suns: Devin Booker<br>Leading scorer on Clippers: Paul George</p>
<p id="QtuAwB">Odds to win series: Suns -600, Clippers +400</p>
<p id="HVzEf8">The Suns entered this season reeling from a Game 7 loss on their home floor in the West semifinals, determined to make another run at the title. They were in the middle of the pack for most of the year but managed to swing the trade of the year by landing Kevin Durant at the trade deadline. Durant elevates this group to title contender status immediately, and his championship experience will be important for Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton to grow. The Suns are a dangerous group when healthy, but they might have depth issues since their roster is top-heavy with Chris Paul, Durant, Booker and Ayton all commanding big salaries.</p>
<p id="kzLEGX">The Clippers defeated a backup Suns team in the final game of the regular season to clinch the No. 5 seed and will now have to take on the real roster. Leonard is playing as well as ever, but the real question will be the status of George. He’s still out indefinitely, and the Clippers will need him to be able to take out what many feel is the best team in the Western Conference.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2023/4/9/23668219/suns-vs-clippers-nba-playoffs-2023-first-round-picks-predictions-odds-preview-history-matchupDKNetworkStaff