Pro Basketball Picks: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns

Los Angeles Clippers at Phoenix Suns
Thursday, 1/24/13, 10:30 PM EST, TV: TNT
Opening Point Spread: Los Angeles -7
Current Betting Line: Los Angeles -6.5
Opening Total: 193
Current Total: 192.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Los Angeles Clippers are 4-3 ATS as road favorites of 6.5 to 9 points since 2010

Los Angeles has dropped back-to-back games by surrendering 106 or more points in each contest, including a 109-97 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder as 2.5-point home underdogs Tuesday night. The Clippers will likely play without the services of All-Star point guard Chris Paul, who has been dealing with a bruised knee injury. “There’s no way to replace him, but collectively we’ll get it together,” commented Clippers guard Jamal Crawford. The team is 13-6 overall on the road, including a 9-4 mark versus Western Conference foes. Los Angeles is 4-3 ATS as a road favorite of 6.5 to 9 points the last two-plus seasons, something to consider when making your pro basketball picks Thursday night.

The Clippers have really had their way with the Suns this year, winning two meetings by a combined 44 points. In two seasons with Paul on the roster, Los Angeles has tallied a 6-4 record, with its only loss in four opportunities this year coming last time out. Power forward Blake Griffin will need to lead the offense, as he comes off a 31-point performance against the Thunder, while also grabbing 11 rebounds and contributing five assists.

Phoenix hasn’t won back-to-back games since a four-game win streak from Dec. 12-19, as it comes off a 106-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings as three-point road underdogs. The Suns have fallen short in 13 of their last 16 games, while also losing a season-high four games in a row at the US Airways Center, which can’t be ignored when looking over the pro basketball odds page. Phoenix is 3-3 ATS when revenging a home loss versus an opponent.

The Suns have won 10 of their last 11 home games against the Clippers, but the only loss in that period came on Dec. 23, as they suffered a 103-77 blowout loss as 6.5-point underdogs. Phoenix will be playing just its second game under interim head coach Lindsey Hunter, as it looks to improve to 7-6 at home versus conference opponents this year.