Free NBA Picks Today: Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers 2/16/23

Expect a defensive battle when the Phoenix Suns (32-27, 20-9 Home) host the Los Angeles Clippers (32-28, 17-15 Away) on Thursday. Los Angeles topped the Golden State Warriors 134-124 at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday. With 33 points and seven rebounds, Kawhi Leonard was the standout player.

The Clippers are fifth in the Western Conference. Phoenix won on Tuesday at Footprint Center, beating the Sacramento Kings 120-109. Devin Booker had 32 points to top the scoresheet. With 29 points and 11 rebounds, Deandre Ayton also impressed.

The Suns are the fourth seed in the Western Conference.It’s the last meeting of the season between the teams. Phoenix will be looking for a season sweep against Los Angeles after getting the win in both of their prior games, the most recent of which was a 111-95 victory at Crypto.com Arena in December 2022.

Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 27 points. Terance Mann had 22 points and 11 rebounds in the loss. The Clips have been led this season by Paul George, who is averaging 23.2 points per game. George also has dished 5.3 assists per game.

Meanwhile, Ivica Zubac is grabbing 10.1 rebounds. Ayton (18.4 ppg) and Bridges (17.2) have powered the Suns’ offense. Ayton also has collected 10.0 rebounds per game, while Bridges has recorded 3.6 assists per game.

The Clippers and the Suns are holding opponents to 111.2 and 111.2 points per game, respectively, ranking fourth and fifth in the league in scoring defense.

The Suns have had success in recent clashes between the teams at Footprint Center, winning six of the last 10.Los Angeles is 6-4 in the last 10 games with an average margin of +3.1 (117.2-114.1).

For the season, the Clippers are averaging 111.4 points per game, compared to 111.2 for opponents. Phoenix has a 7-3 record over the last 10, scoring 111.9 points per game on average while holding opponents to 109.0 (+2.9 margin).

CLIPPERS HOT/COLD

(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)
Points + Rebounds + Assists:
Mason Plumlee: 16.0 | 25.4 | -9.4
Points per game:
Kawhi Leonard: 27.5 | 21.6 | +5.9
Eric Gordon: 7.0 | 13.0 | -6.0
Rebounds per game:
Mason Plumlee: 5.0 | 9.6 | -4.6

SUNS HOT/COLD

(Last Five | Season Average | Differential)
Points + Rebounds + Assists:
Deandre Ayton: 40.6 | 30.4 | +10.2
T.J. Warren: 7.0 | 12.2 | -5.2
Points per game:
Deandre Ayton: 28.0 | 18.4 | +9.6
Assists per game:
Chris Paul: 12.4 | 9.0 | +3.4