The Los Angeles Clippers take on the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday night. Both teams split the first two games in Phoenix, and as the series moves to a new city, both will be looking to seize control.
The away team won all four regular-season games, possibly setting the tone for the Suns to have the upper hand in this one. Expect this to be one of the best games on Thursday’s slate, and fans will want to make sure to tune in.
Injury Update Los Angeles Clippers – Phoenix Suns
Phoenix was able to rebound in game two and is hoping to build on that victory as they travel to this one.
The Suns have a losing record on the road this season, which they hope is due to an inconsistent lineup rather than a true problem away from home.
They won both of their road games against the Clippers this season, but with playoff basketball shifting so much, replicating that could be difficult.
The Suns may have had a disappointing regular season, but with their injury problems behind them, the playoffs could be the ideal opportunity for them to regain their form.
Injuries plagued this team all season, but now that their stars are back, this roster is far more talented than it was at times this year.
Cam Payne (back) is the only player listed as injured in this game, and his availability for game three is questionable. His absence should not have an impact on how this game plays out, but if he is able to play, it will only make this team stronger.
The Suns should have no trouble finding offense in this one with so much talent at their disposal.
Kevin Durant has gradually regained his form, while Devin Booker has continued to carry the torch, particularly after his 32-point performance the previous time out. Chris Paul remains the X-factor in the backcourt, and they can rely on one of the league’s best defenses.
Durant finished with 25 points (10-19 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), six rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and one steal in 44 minutes on Tuesday.
Durant’s shot was noticeably more confident in Game 2’s victory. The Suns have had limited experience with a healthy starting five, and they looked much more in sync with the All-increased Star’s involvement.
Durant has experienced the rigors of the postseason before, averaging 29.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 157 playoff games.
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Despite losing their last game, the Clippers will be happy to return home with a split from a pair of games in Phoenix. They’ll like their chances a lot more with a 23-18 home record, despite going winless against the Suns at home this season.
The offense has continued to be effective, but the defense is where this team’s concerns arise. With an injury and ongoing concerns about this team’s depth, facing a surging Phoenix team is always a difficult task.
With another home game on the horizon, a loss would not be the worst thing in the world, but it would certainly cause some concern.
As previously stated, injuries have been a source of concern for the Clippers throughout the season, and this trend has continued into this series. It may only be one name, but the absence of Paul George (knee) is likely to have an impact.
His ability to succeed on both ends of the court has been crucial for this team this season, and they’ll need to find other ways to score in this one.
The Clippers will be looking for offense without George, and Russell Westbrook will most likely be the X-factor in this one. One of the NBA’s hottest and coldest players, if he can get going, he’ll provide the Clippers with a solid second scoring option.
There’s no doubt that Kawhi Leonard (34.5 ppg) will get his chances in this one, but he might not have enough on both sides of the ball without much help.
Leonard closed Game 2 with 31 points (11-20 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 6-7 FT), eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals over 39 minutes.
Despite being frequently double-teamed by the Suns, Leonard improved on his stellar performance in Game 1. Although Russell Westbrook’s improved play has provided the Clippers with another reliable scoring option, Paul George’s (knee) absence continues to limit the team’s ability to advance.
The Suns are deeper than the Clippers, and Leonard will have a much more difficult time motivating his team to victory than he did with the Raptors three years ago.
Injury Report Clippers:
- Paul George (Knee) – Out
Injury Report Suns:
- Cameron Payne (Back) – Questionable
