The Los Angeles Clippers host the Phoenix Suns for a back-to-back matchup today. The previous game saw them emerge victorious in the Footprint Center; mostly because of Russell Westbrook‘s starting spot leading to a triple double. With that, the Clippers (51-28) will now continue to solidify a home-court advantage for the playoffs. On the other hand, the Suns (46-33) fight to get past the 7th seed, hoping to overcome a play-in confrontation.

Luckily, for the Suns, it seems like the coming game will ease Kevin Durant‘s time on the court, all while experiencing decreased restriction from the LA team. According to the latest updates, Russell Westbrook, who was earlier deemed questionable, will be downgraded (hand) to remain out of the contest. While his absence automatically dims the Clippers’ energy on the court, he is not the only superstar on the bench.

Kawhi Leonard will miss his sixth straight game because of a knee inflammation, while James Harden remains out for his second behind a foot concern. Moreover, Paul George gets some rest after playing 39 minutes in the previous game.

Additionally, Joshua Primo (ankle), Jordan Miller (thumb) and Moussa Diabate (hand) also see away time from the court.

On the other hand, more good news spark for the Suns as their starting center, Jusuf Nurkic, is reinstating to the lineup after missing the previous game. With that, Suns’ injury report only harbors Damion Lee, who is expected to miss games until the culmination of the regular season (meniscus).

Clippers vs Suns this season

Currently, the Clippers have won all their 3 season games against the Suns, leaving their last season’s playoff exit in dust. Thanks to a 138-111 major win on January 8, they outscore Phoenix with an average margin of near 19 points.

Paul George sits as their most consistent scorer against the Suns, averaging 27 points and 7 rebounds on near 50% shooting from the floor and even better clip from the arc. On the other hand, despite Devin Booker’s 35 points on January 3 and Durant’s 30 five days later; the two have witnessed major disruptions in their production against the LA squad.

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On offense, the Suns biggest flaw comes from the three-point line. They have shot less than 33% from the three against Clippers this season. Moreover, they have consistently failed to share the ball and also lost the rebounding battle on the other side of the floor.

However, with Nurkic back in the lineup, and Clippers’ quartet absent from the floor, the Suns stumble upon a perfect chance to build on their shooting touch and chemistry; all while shortening their journey to the playoffs.

UPDATE: KD, Booker and Bradley Beal combined for 87 points, shooting 50% from the floor. While Nurkic failed to make a mark on the scoring end, the center posted a 19 rebound and 10 assists double double. Despite the win, the Suns continued their struggling patterns in the toughest stretch of their season. They shot at a slim 36% from the three, as the undermanned Clippers shot just 33%. However, the Suns managed to outrebound the Clippers, and garner more assists for their first win against them.

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