LA Clippers at Phoenix NBA Spread, Expert Pick & TV Info

The Phoenix Suns are in full tank mode and it benefits them to lose as much as possible the rest of the way. The Los Angeles Clippers, on the other hand, could use a win in the desert on Thursday as they chase the fourth seed in the West. L.A. will be a solid NBA odds favorite if Coach Doc Rivers plays everyone.

LA Clippers at Phoenix NBA Spread, Expert Pick & TV Info

When: Thursday, March 30, 10 PM ET Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix TV: NBA League Pass Stream: NBA.tv Radio: Los Angeles / Phoenix  NBA Odds: Clippers favored by TBA

Why Bet on LA?

I would wait until a few hours before tipoff to bet here because the Clippers have a tough game Wednesday night at home vs. Washington and could rest the likes of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin or DeAndre Jordan in the second of a back-to- back. J.J. Redick missed L.A.’s game over the weekend and was listed as questionable for Wednesday. I highly doubt they let him play both ends of a back-to- back with that sprained ankle. The Clippers were happy to have a two-day break after blowing a huge fourth-quarter lead Sunday in a loss to the Kings. The Clippers then had consecutive days off for the first time in a month. Monday was an off day and Tuesday they practiced for the first since Feb. 28. Paul called Sunday against Sacramento “a terrible loss” and “probably the worst one in the regular season in my career,” but said the Clippers would find a way to get past it. “We need practices,” Coach Doc Rivers said, “and I’ve been saying that for a while. The good news is now with this stretch coming up we’ll be able to really get our (practices in). … But I like how we’re trending. I think the practices will take us over the top.” Rivers (210) is six wins away from passing Mike Dunleavy (215) for the most regular season coaching victories in Clippers’ franchise history. Rivers is the winningest coach in team history, by winning percentage (210-110, .656). Jamal Crawford has shot 44.8% (56-125) from three-point range over his last 28 games dating back to Jan. 23 at Atlanta. Crawford shot 29.9% from beyond the arc over his first 45 games, and is shooting 36.3% from three overall this season.

Why Bet on Phoenix?

The Suns entered Tuesdays’ game in Atlanta on an eight-game losing streak and closing a six-game road trip. About the only bright spot of late was Devin Booker’s recent 70-point game vs. Boston, a franchise record and one of just six players to score 70 in the NBA. Booker’s career high in his one season at Kentucky was 19. Suns rookie forward Dragan Bender has been sidelined since Feb. 8, following surgery to remove a bone spur in his right foot. In recent days, Bender has increased his basketball-related activities, which has given hope that he might play before the last game of this season. “He’s tired, but he looks good,” Suns head coach Earl Watson said. “He’s moving well. Hopefully, we get him back soon, but as you know, it’s the next day to see what he feels like because of the foot.” Bender, the No. 4 selection in the 2016 NBA draft, has played in 38 games this season and is averaging 3.2 points and 2.2 rebounds. Veteran guards Leandro Barbosa (right hamstring) and Ronnie Price (lower left leg) were questionable for Tuesday’s game. The Suns have been short-handed for every contest on this six-game trip, and that’s not even counting their three already-shutdown players (Bledsoe, center Tyson Chandler and guard Brandon Knight). Barbosa, Price, forward Alan Williams and forward T.J. Warren all have missed time because of injury or illness leaving the Suns with just eight or nine available players. Phoenix has won 18 of the last 34 games in the series with the Clippers, which includes a sweep of the season series (4-0) in both 2008-09 and 2009-10. Phoenix has won 13 of their last 19 home games over the Clippers. Phoenix has captured 48 of the last 78 meetings, which includes a series-long 12-game win streak from Oct. 31, 1997-Nov. 25, 2000.

LA Clippers at Phoenix Expert Pick: LA Clippers

This is only if all the Clippers key guys play. Los Angeles is 3-0 vs. Phoenix this season and needs this game more.