Clippers vs. Suns preview and game thread: Clips aim for 2nd win in bubble

Two games down, and the LA Clippers are settling into their rhythm as they face the third of their seeding games in Orlando on Tuesday, when they take on the Phoenix Suns.

Both teams are coming off wins, the Clippers cruising over the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday, while the Suns edged the Dallas Mavericks Sunday. With an extra day of rest, will that benefit LA? Phoenix are playing for their playoff lives, while the Clippers are more or less tuning up for the playoffs, will that make a difference here?

Previous meetings

Oct. 26, 2019: Clippers 122, Suns 130

In the third game of the season, what feels like 100 years ago, the Suns handed the Clips their first loss of the season. With Paul George out altogether, Kawhi Leonard had 27 points and Montrezl Harrell put up 28 points to pace the visitors, but Phoenix held them off most of the game and saw out the win.

Dec. 17, 2019: Suns 99, Clippers 120

In the only meeting at Staples Center this season, the Clippers pulled away for a routine win in the 3rd quarter. George led the scoring on both teams with 24 points in what was a balanced performance from Doc Rivers’ group.

Feb. 26, 2020: Clippers 102, Suns 92

Coming shortly before the shutdown, the most recent meeting was a good road win for the Clippers. Of particular note, this was a good night for the newcomers, with Reggie Jackson leading the bench group with 12 points and Marcus Morris second in scoring on the team with 18 points.

Injuries/absences

Clippers: Montrezl Harrell - OUT; Lou Williams - QUESTIONABLE

Suns: Kelly Oubre, Jr. - OUT

Notable additions

The Suns’ rotation is pretty much the same as you’ve come to expect, aside from young journeyman Cameron Payne, who signed ahead of the bubble and got some good run Sunday against the Mavs.

Game info

When: Tuesday, 1 pm PT

TV: Fox Sports Prime Ticket in Los Angeles viewing area, NBATV in the rest of the United States

Watch on Fubo