L.A. Clippers vs Phoenix Suns – NBA Preview – Jan 27, 2025

The L.A. Clippers (26-19) visit the Phoenix Suns (23-21) at the Footprint Center on Monday night in a key Western Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 9:30 PM ET. Both teams are in playoff contention, with the Clippers sitting sixth in the standings and Phoenix close behind in eighth place.
The Suns have won seven of their last nine games, while the Clippers have taken six of their last eight. These teams met twice in October, with Phoenix winning both games in tight contests, including a 125-119 victory in the most recent matchup. Both squads enter this game with momentum and playoff implications on the line.
Clippers Preview – Offense Finding a Groove
The Clippers are coming off a 127-117 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, powered by James Harden’s 40-point performance and Norman Powell’s 33-point effort. Powell has thrived in a starting role, averaging a career-high 23.9 points per game this season. The Clippers boast the NBA’s third-best defense, allowing just 106.8 points per game, and committed only seven turnovers in their last outing, showcasing their ability to take care of the ball.
Kawhi Leonard (25.1 PPG) and Ivica Zubac (10.3 RPG) provide steady contributions on both ends of the court. Leonard’s midrange game and defensive presence will be key against a Suns team that features potent scorers like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Harden’s recent form has added an offensive spark, giving the Clippers more versatility in the halfcourt.
With a 9-11 record on the road, the Clippers will look to improve their away performance. Their ability to limit turnovers and execute in crunch time could determine the outcome against a Suns team that thrives at home.
Suns Preview – Durant and Booker Leading the Way
Phoenix has been playing inspired basketball, going 7-2 in their last nine games. Kevin Durant (27.2 PPG) and Devin Booker (25.5 PPG) continue to anchor the offense. Durant’s efficiency and Booker’s playmaking give the Suns a dynamic duo capable of breaking down opposing defenses. In Saturday’s 119-109 win over Washington, Nick Richards had a standout performance with 20 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, providing much-needed interior production.
However, tensions have risen between head coach Mike Budenholzer and former starting center Jusuf Nurkic, who hasn’t played in the last nine games. Despite the off-court drama, Phoenix has remained focused, leaning on Richards and other role players to fill the void. Richards’ ability to control the boards and protect the rim will be critical against Zubac and the Clippers’ frontcourt.
Phoenix is 14-8 at home this season and has excelled in close games. Limiting turnovers and improving their three-point shooting (currently 35.8%) will be essential to keep pace with the Clippers’ high-powered offense.
Betting Prediction
The Clippers are slight 1.5-point road favorites, with the total set at 223.5. Both teams have been inconsistent in covering spreads this season, but the Suns’ recent home success and the Clippers’ struggles on the road make this a challenging call. Phoenix’s defense and rebounding advantage, led by Nick Richards, could be the deciding factor in a tightly contested game.
Projected final score: Phoenix 112, L.A. Clippers 110. The Suns are the pick as underdogs, and the game is likely to stay under the total due to both teams’ defensive capabilities.
Pick: Phoenix +1.5, Under 223.5