The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the first game of the Western Conference Finals is set to take place between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns. This is a matchup that many basketball fans have been eagerly anticipating, as both teams have been playing at a high level throughout the postseason.
Let’s take a closer look at this matchup, including the odds, predictions, injuries, and same-game parlay options.
Odds
According to the latest odds from BetMGM, the Suns are favored to win Game 1 by 4.5 points. The over/under for total points scored in the game is set at 220.5.
Predictions
The Suns come into this game with a lot of momentum, having swept the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the playoffs. They have been playing some of the best basketball in the league, with their star guard Devin Booker leading the way. Booker has been averaging 27.9 points per game in the playoffs and has been a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
On the other hand, the Clippers are coming off a grueling seven-game series against the Utah Jazz. They have been without their star forward Kawhi Leonard, who has been dealing with a knee injury. Leonard’s status for Game 1 is still uncertain, which could be a major factor in the outcome of this game.
Despite their injuries, the Clippers have been playing some excellent basketball, with Paul George stepping up as their go-to scorer. However, they will need more than just George to beat a talented Suns team.
Injuries
As mentioned earlier, Kawhi Leonard’s status for Game 1 is still up in the air. He has missed the last five games due to a knee injury and is listed as questionable for this game. If he is unable to play, it will be a significant blow to the Clippers’ chances of winning.
The Suns, on the other hand, have been relatively healthy throughout the playoffs. Their star point guard Chris Paul has been dealing with a shoulder injury, but he has been playing through it and has been a key contributor to their success.
Same-Game Parlay
For those looking to add some extra excitement to the game, BetMGM is offering same-game parlay options. Some potential options include betting on the Suns to win, Devin Booker to score over a certain number of points, and the total points scored in the game to go over or under a certain number.
Conclusion
The first game of the Western Conference Finals between the Clippers and Suns is shaping up to be an exciting matchup. The Suns are favored to win, but the Clippers have been playing some excellent basketball despite their injuries. Keep an eye on Kawhi Leonard’s status leading up to the game, as his presence could be a game-changer. Regardless of who wins, this should be a thrilling game for basketball fans to watch.
