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Phoenix Suns vs Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers open their home schedule at Intuit Dome on Friday, October 24, 2025 (10:30 PM ET) against the Phoenix Suns, live on ESPN.
But the energy in Inglewood feels uneasy — not because of basketball, but because of the headlines surrounding head coach Tyronn Lue’s frustrated tone after their opener and the Clippers’ alarming defensive issues.
Meanwhile, Phoenix rides into town with confidence after a comeback win over Sacramento, led by Devin Booker’s 31-point night. Both teams are trying to establish an early-season identity, but the Clippers’ home debut will hinge on whether they can rediscover their defensive mindset.
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Line Movement and Odds
Oddsmakers opened Los Angeles as the heavy favorite, but early betting momentum has shifted slightly toward Phoenix after L.A.’s defensive collapse in Utah.
Current Odds:
- Clippers Moneyline: -450
- Suns Moneyline: +340
- Spread: Clippers -9.5 (-111)
- Total: Over/Under 225.5 (-111)
Track line updates and live totals at the NBA scores and odds page.
The Suns Can Win If…
The Phoenix Suns enter 1-0 after rallying from a 20-point deficit to defeat the Sacramento Kings 120-116 in their opener. That win highlighted both the team’s resilience and the star power of Devin Booker, who scored 31 points on 52.6% shooting.
Booker is now the undisputed offensive anchor following Kevin Durant’s offseason trade to Houston. His ability to break down mismatches and draw double teams remains elite, but Phoenix’s supporting cast — Dillon Brooks (22 points) and Grayson Allen (18 points) — proved just as valuable, combining for five three-pointers and key defensive stops down the stretch.
Phoenix ranks 13th in scoring (120 PPG) and 12th in field goal percentage (47.4%), showing they can execute efficiently. Their defense, though middle-tier, holds opponents to 116 points per game, good for 8th in the NBA.
The key to beating the Clippers will be forcing turnovers and attacking mismatches created by James Harden and Bradley Beal in the backcourt. Both are capable scorers, but neither has shown consistency on the defensive end early on.
For deeper matchup data and shot profiles, visit the NBA teams section.
The Clippers Can Win If…
The Los Angeles Clippers were embarrassed in their opener — a 129-108 loss to the Utah Jazz that exposed defensive lapses and lack of chemistry. The Jazz outscored L.A. 43-19 in the first quarter, setting a tone that head coach Tyronn Lue described bluntly:
“We didn’t have the defensive mindset we need. You give up 78 in the first half — that’s not who we’re supposed to be.”
Offensively, the Clippers struggled with rhythm and turnovers. They shot 44.3% (39-of-88) and committed 15 turnovers, wasting a decent performance from James Harden (15 points, 11 assists). Kawhi Leonard looked off balance, managing just 10 points on 3-of-9 shooting, while Bradley Beal, facing his former team, scored only five points in 20 minutes.
The bright spot was Ivica Zubac, who finished with 19 points on 69% shooting and controlled the glass against Utah’s frontcourt. Expect the Clippers to emphasize paint touches early to create better shot flow for Harden and Beal.
If L.A. returns to its switch-heavy defense and limits Phoenix’s transition points, it can stabilize at home. The Clippers finished last season 30-11 at Intuit Dome, one of the NBA’s toughest home environments.
Betting Trends
- Suns are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games as underdogs.
- Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last five home openers.
- The Over has hit in seven of Phoenix’s last 10 road games.
- Devin Booker has scored 25+ points in six of his last eight vs. L.A.
- Clippers have gone Over in five of their last six after a loss.
For power ratings, pace projections, and player props, check the NBA expert betting guide.
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Prediction and Analysis
Both teams are capable of explosive offense, but the Clippers’ defensive focus remains in question. Ty Lue’s group has the personnel to dominate — Harden, Leonard, Beal, Zubac — but without collective buy-in, they’ll continue to trade buckets instead of dictating tempo.
Phoenix, meanwhile, is still building chemistry under Jordan Ott, but their perimeter defense and half-court execution give them a chance to hang around late. Expect Booker vs. Harden to dictate pace — with Phoenix covering and the total creeping over.
Projected Score: Clippers 118, Suns 112
Best Bet: Suns +9.5 (-110)
Total Lean: Over 225.5 (-111)
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