The Clippers are playing without F Kawhi Leonard, but I feel realistically optimistic they can cover Tuesday's 7.5-point spread. Winners of six of its last seven, LA has been playing well. It shot over 50 percent from three-point range in its previous matchups versus Phoenix and flexed its muscles in the rebounding department. With Suns big man Jusuf Nurkic dealing with an ankle injury, Los Angeles boasts a clear advantage on the glass. It will also force plenty of turnovers against turnover-prone Phoenix (31 turnovers in the previous two matchups).

Phoenix can light it up from three-point range, but its mid-range shooting has been awful recently. Los Angeles ranks 6th in the NBA in opponent mid-range FG%, so if the Suns are going to cover this spread, they will need to get very hot from deep. When they aren't hitting threes or getting the ball to the rim, will they consistently score? Between their mid-range shooting woes and turnovers and LA's defensive upside in these areas, I don't believe they can win this game by eight or more points.