The LA Clippers are coming off two consecutive games against their cross-town rivals, the LA Lakers. In their recent home loss to Minnesota, the Phoenix Suns only scored 98 points while committing 22 turnovers. This season, the Suns have a perfect record of 3-0 against the Clippers. Norman Powell scored 63 points in those three matchups with a plus/minus of +24. However, he has been ruled out for this game. I like the home dog in this spot, with or without Bradley Beal. My model has this game at a zero-point spread.

Ivica Zubac has dominated the Suns this season. He has faced them three times and he scored at least 21 points in each of them. Norman Powell (hamstring) is out for the Clippers, which could help Zubac receive added shot attempts. Zubac scored at least 20 points in three of the last five games without Powell. The Suns have the fourth-worst defensive rating in the league and don’t have much talent at center, so look for Zubac to thrive again.

The Clippers may seem stuck in the mud lately on offense, but a lot of that has to do with elite defensive clubs they've been facing. Norman Powell should have legs under him back from injury and Clippers will be looking to fill the stat sheet against a a Suns team allowing NBA-worst 123/G over last 15 games. Suns are 25th in rebounding % in that span, and cannot - or refuse to - defense the 3-ball or interior. So many breakaway and second-chance points allowed. Clippers have hung 120-plus on bad D teams like CHI, UT, MEM (they're bad lately!), and had 109 last time vs Suns, who are in worse form now.