This is an underlay, plain and simple, and the beauty of this selection is that we can continue buying low on a Phoenix outfit that has only recently started covering the number. The Suns are still just 2-7 against the spread and their most recent performance certainly won't inspire much confidence after San Antonio blew them out on their own floor yesterday. There's a rest concern, too, but let's not overlook what Phoenix accomplished before that setback.
The Suns defeated Houston and Orlando in their preceding two outings, demonstrating that they're capable of beating quality opposition. Meanwhile, the Clippers are in complete disarray, having lost all four road games this season. And who exactly has Los Angeles beaten? New Orleans and Sacramento. That's hardly an impressive résumé, particularly when the Clippers have suffered blowout defeats against the Lakers and Minnesota buried in their dossier. Under normal circumstances, Phoenix would be laying a considerably bigger number against this opponent, and rightfully so. The Suns are the better basketball team, but their poor ATS record, yesterday's blowout, and the quick turnaround have made them a considerably less attractive proposition. That's precisely where the value lies. We're getting a superior home team at a discounted price against a Clippers outfit that hasn't demonstrated it can win away from home. I'll happily buy low on Phoenix.
Clippers vs Suns prediction: Suns -3.5 (-106) available at time of publishing. Playable to -4.5 (-110).
