The Clippers visit Mortgage Matchup Center on Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. ET. Phoenix stays home after Monday’s game against San Antonio, while the Clippers have been off since Sunday. At the time of this writing the spread and total odds were not released. See more NBA picks.
The Clippers Can Put Phoenix’s Help Defense Under Pressure
LA is 2-7 and 0-4 on the road after beating New Orleans 139-123 on Sunday. That win was a big step up offensively from the overtime loss to Miami, but Tuesday is a chance to see how much of it travels.
The Clippers average 112.4 points and allow 116.4. Phoenix gives them room to attack off the dribble. The Clippers will get more out of those drives if their weak-side players move as soon as the help commits, instead of waiting for the ball handler to get stuck.
Darius Garland scored 24 against New Orleans and 26 in the Miami loss. With Brandon Ingram and Bradley Beal listed out in the early matchup snapshot, Garland’s ability to get the ball to the next player before the defense recovers is central to the Clippers’ chances.
Phoenix Has a Late-Game Answer in Booker
The Suns were 3-5 and 3-2 at home before Monday’s San Antonio game. They beat Houston 102-99 on Saturday after beating Orlando 117-104 on Thursday. Monday’s workload matters because Phoenix has to defend another good ball handler a night later.
Phoenix entered Monday averaging 112.4 points and allowing 118.6. Against the Clippers, the Suns can get into their offense before LA gets its help set. If the game slows late, I still trust Phoenix to find a usable shot through Booker.
Devin Booker scored 24 against Houston and supplied all nine of Phoenix’s points in the final 4:24. Mark Williams was listed out in the early snapshot. If he remains unavailable, Phoenix needs its wings to help finish rebounds instead of leaving all of that work to the center.
Clippers vs Suns Team Comparison
| Category | LA Clippers | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 2-7 | 3-5 |
| Road / home | 0-4 road | 3-2 home |
| Points scored / allowed per game | 112.4 / 116.4 | 112.4 / 118.6 |
| Rest | Last played Sunday | Second game in two nights |
Clippers vs Suns Head-to-Head
| Prior meeting | Result | Margin / total |
|---|---|---|
| November 8, 2025 | Phoenix 114, LA Clippers 103 | Phoenix by 11 / 217 points |
That’s a useful reference point, but Phoenix’s current back-to-back and the Clippers’ available creators are more relevant to Tuesday’s margin.
Clippers vs Suns Position-by-Position
| Position | LA Clippers | Phoenix | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG | Garland can pull defenders into the lane | Needs to contain the first screen | LA Clippers |
| SG | Needs secondary scoring when Garland gives it up | Booker can create against a set defense | Phoenix |
| SF | Wing depth is thinner without Ingram | Can attack the gaps Booker opens | Phoenix |
| PF | Can test Phoenix on weak-side cuts | Must help on drives and find a body to box out | Even |
| C | Can pressure the rim off Garland’s passes | Frontcourt depth depends on availability | LA Clippers if Williams remains out |
LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns Picks and Prediction
Side Pick: Phoenix to Win
I give Phoenix a small edge because Booker is the player I trust most to get a good shot in the last two minutes. The Clippers have more rest and can win if Garland repeatedly gets past the first defender. This is a narrow outright lean, with no spread pick.
Total Pick: Pending
I project Phoenix 115, LA Clippers 112. The Clippers’ 139 against New Orleans shows the upside, but they average 112.4 and Phoenix just won a game with 102. I’ll wait for the posted total.
Final Picks: Phoenix to win. Spread and total pending.
Completed November 9, 2026. Phoenix’s statistical snapshot predates Monday’s game. Lines and player availability can change before tipoff.