Clippers vs. Suns: Game 2 betting odds, preview, and pick

The Phoenix Suns took Game 1 at home even without Chris Paul. Can the Los Angeles Clippers avoid going down 0-2 for a third consecutive series?

We have the betting odds and preview you need before Game 2 tips off at 9:00 p.m. ET at Phoenix Suns Arena.

Injuries continue to plague Clippers

This has been a postseason full of demoralizing injuries to star players. The Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, and Brooklyn Nets all saw early exits due to key players going down. The Clippers have managed to stay alive despite their injury woes, but how much longer can that last?

They lost Serge Ibaka to a back injury during the regular season, and he was extremely limited in L.A.'s first round series against the Dallas Mavericks before the team shut him down. Then, the most crushing of injuries happened in Game 4 of the Utah Jazz series, when Kawhi Leonard suffered a knee injury. Leonard has still not returned and is unavailable for Game 2. Now, Marcus Morris Sr. re-aggravated a knee injury in Game 1, and looked hobbled in the second half. He is questionable for Game 2.

No CP3, No problem

The Suns had to play their first postseason game without their veteran leader at point guard, Chris Paul, due to health and safety protocols. However, the baby Suns grew up fast and showed that they are ready to step up to the big stage.

Devin Booker had his first career triple-double, going for 40 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. Cameron Payne also stepped up to play 29 huge minutes at point guard, and chipped in 11 points and nine assists with only one turnover. Cameron Johnson played 24 minutes off the bench and added 12 points with a +14 plus/minus.

If the Suns can continue to get great production out of their young guns, they will be tough to beat when CP3 eventually returns. Paul remains questionable for Game 2 and his status may not become clear until closer to game time.

L.A. finds itself in a familiar spot

The Clippers found themselves down 0-2 in the Dallas series before knocking out the Mavericks in seven. They then again fell down 0-2 in the Utah series before rattling off four wins in a row to eliminate the top-seeded Jazz. Now, they find themselves at risk of going down 0-2 for a third consecutive series.

Prior to the Clippers, no team had ever won two series down 0-2 in the same postseason. In the history of the NBA playoffs, teams down 0-2 have only won 30 of 433 playoff series, which is a 6.9% win rate. The Clippers cannot keep fighting those odds.

NBA Pick: Clippers +5.5, Under 224

The Clippers will be fighting hard to avoid falling into a 0-2 deficit, and are likely to try out different rotations. Expect to see more Terance Mann and Luke Kennard in Game 2 as L.A. tries to keep pace with Phoenix's fire power. The Suns won without Paul in Game 1, but the Clips will keep it closer in a lower scoring game in Game 2.

Featured Player Prop: Paul George Over 5.5 assists (+105)

I believe we will see more shots coming from Mann and Kennard. Someone has to get them those open shots, and it will be Paul George. If "Playoff P" can draw some more defenders by cutting to the basket, he will find plenty of good open shooters. Expect him to easily reach six dimes in Game 2.