Suns vs. Clippers prediction and odds for Game 4 (Clippers worth a shot as dogs)

The Los Angeles Clippers can’t catch a break.

Already down Paul George for the first round of the playoffs, the Clippers lost Kawhi Leonard (knee sprain) in Game 3 against the Phoenix Suns, leading to the team losing to fall down 2-1 in the series.

Leonard’s absence moved the Suns from 2.5-point favorites to 7.5-point favorites on Thursday, but the Clippers ended up covering that number behind 42 points from Norman Powell.

After upsetting Phoenix in Game 1 and playing it tight without Leonard in Game 2, the Clippers have to feel like they are the better team in this matchup if they can get somewhat healthy.

It seems like Leonard (day-to-day) at least has a shot to play in Saturday’s Game 4.

Oddsmakers are showing Los Angeles some respect, listing it as a five-point dog to Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and company, but that could change if Leonard is ruled in.

Let’s break down the odds and my best bet for this game:

Suns vs. Clippers odds, spread and total

Suns vs. Clippers prediction and pick

I don’t mind taking the Clippers in this game after their performance on Thursday night, especially if Leonard is able to suit up.

Los Angeles played very up tempo in Game 3, showing that it has the bench depth to compete with a thin Phoenix rotation.

Sure, the Suns have the star power, but the team has very few options after Durant and Booker to create their own shot, especially with Chris Paul struggling with his shot.

If Leonard plays, I’d set this line closer to a pick’em, which means we could be getting four to five points of value by betting this early in hopes that he suits up.

I’ll take that chance, as the Clips would be in serious trouble if they fall behind three games to one.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.