The Clippers are on to their first Western Conference Finals, which means it’s time for another 213 Hoops writer roundtable. Find the predictions of our staff on the Clippers’ series against the Suns below!
Niels Pineda: Clippers in 6
My mind points to all of the reasons why this is the Suns’ series to lose — they are an incredibly well rounded team on both ends of the court, and they have been hands down the most consistent and dominant team all playoffs. I don’t think small ball goes as swimmingly as it has in the first two series, as the Suns have far better wing defenders, an incredible floor general, and a much more versatile center in Ayton. Realistically, they also have 3 of the best 4 players in the series if Kawhi doesn’t play. All that being said, my heart (and likely prolonged adrenaline rush) tells me that the Clippers’ versatility, resilience, shooting, and top tier coaching will push them to the finals.
Ralston Dacanay: Clippers in 7
I’m still just in awe that I get to write another one of these so soon. Nevertheless, with Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul’s statuses remaining up in the air at the time of writing, all I know is it’s going to be incredible to see how this series develops game by game. Although the well-rested Suns have a near perfect modern-day prototype at each starting position (assuming CP3 is active), I trust in Tyronn Lue and the endless fight of this deep Clippers squad to reach new franchise heights once again.
Kenneth Armstrong: Clippers in 7
This is going to be a knuckle ball of a series, given the Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul availability questions. But I think that just might work in the Clippers’ favor: in the first two rounds, this Clippers team has put themselves in precarious positions yet have found new ways to win over and over again. On the other hand, the Suns have had a pretty easy route to the WCF and have not been challenged yet. Finally – and most importantly – the Clippers have learned how to slow down ball-dominant perimeter players who have shooters around them. The Clippers are well prepared and confident.
Thomas Wood: Suns in 7
When will Chris Paul return? Will Kawhi return at all? When? Will he be anywhere near 100%? These aren’t minor questions. Without even a hint toward the answers, I have no idea what to do with this series, and so I’ll pick against the Clippers again for two reasons: the Suns’ perimeter defense is superior to Utah’s, and because it’s my new tradition.
Cole Huff: Clippers in 7
Not only does this WCF have the potential to be one of most competitive matchups the Clippers have ever played, but it will almost certainly be the most petty and chippy — the dislike for one another was quite apparent by the levels of trash-talk and physical play throughout the season. Yet, that shouldn’t take away from how good these two teams are, especially at full strength. Unfortunately, health is the biggest question mark going forward for both teams and the lack of information makes this series hard to call. Both teams showed lots in these playoffs in getting the job done with injured stars, but I’m riding high on the Clips after games 5 & 6 without Kawhi. Anything is possible at this point.
Michelle Uzeta: Clippers in 6
One day away from Game 1 and major questions remain unanswered. How serious is Kawhi Leonard’s injury? Will he make a return in the series? How long will COVID protocols derail Chris Paul? Will the Clippers experience an energy dip after pulling out Games 5 and 6 against Utah and find themselves starting off in a hole? Will the Suns’ be well-rested or rusty?
Despite the unknowns, a few things are clear. The Western Conference finals are not going to be a cakewalk, for either team. LA has undeniable talent and grit, and the Suns are a spirited young squad with a verifiable star in Devin Booker and a solid, athletic center in Deandre Ayton. The 5-out, small ball line-up that was successful against Utah is probably not going to fly against the Suns, so expect some tweaks to the offensive line-up, including a bigger role for Ivica Zubac. Booker is going to get his stat line, but if the Clippers can reasonably contain the rest of the Suns’ squad, and play aggressively on both ends of the floor, I believe their depth and experience will prevail. I’m keeping the faith.
Joey Linn: Clippers in 6
I have no rationale behind this prediction other than the fact that this Clippers team has made me a believer. Between Booker’s superstardom and Ayton’s ability to actually punish small ball, the Suns should have a tangible advantage on paper; however, the game isn’t played on paper. I’m expecting a big series from Paul George, and I believe the confidence built in this last series will ascend the role players to even greater heights. Clips in 6.
Robert Flom: Suns in 7
I can’t feel confident in any prediction regarding this series due to the injury statuses of Kawhi Leonard and Chris Paul. Based on what we know, Paul will likely return before Leonard, and that difference combined with the Suns’ rest edge push them to favorites for me. I think the Clippers can slow down the Suns’ offense, but I also believe that the Suns’ perimeter defense is far more stout than the Jazz and Mavs, and that the Clippers won’t be able to score nearly as easily as they have previously. The two teams do not like each other, so I expect a lot of chippiness, physical play, and trash talk. I could go either way, and there aren’t many outcomes that would surprise me outside of a sweep.
