Phoenix Suns vs LA Clippers Series Preview: Key Players and Playoff Schedule

• The Suns and the Clippers will square off in the first round of this year’s playoffs
• The team from Phoenix and the side from LA tied in their regular season series
• Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will meet for the first time in the postseason

The first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs can’t come soon enough.

All eyes will be on Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook as they lock horns in the playoffs for the first time.

Sports Brief has a breakdown of the series between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Suns vs Clippers head-to-head

The Suns and the Clippers tied their regular season series at two games apiece. Phoenix won the first two meetings by an average of 16.5 points.

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It is important to mention that Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson played in those games, both of whom were shipped out by the Suns in the trade for Kevin Durant, per Yahoo! Sports.

The Clippers finally recorded their first win against the Suns on February 16, pulling off a 116-107 victory.

They evened the season series on April 9, with LA recording a 119-114 win. The Clippers had a tough time in that contest despite the Suns resting their stars, with Durant not seeing action in those two Phoenix losses. 

Key players for the Suns 

For the Suns to reach the Western Conference Semifinals, they must get solid performances from Durant and Devin Booker.

The Suns have been unstoppable with Durant in the lineup. They are 8-0 when he starts for Phoenix.

He gives the team another scoring option, which will be crucial come playoff time. Durant has managed to up his level this season, becoming the first 55-40-90 player in NBA history.

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He shot 56% from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 92% from the free throw line this campaign.

Booker also excelled this season, averaging a career-high 27.8 points in 53 games. Book and KD are undoubtedly the most lethal scoring duo in this year’s playoffs.

Key players for the Clippers

Kawhi Leonard made sure the Clippers reached the playoffs this year, playing almost every night in the last three months of the 2022-23 regular season.

He was incredible in his final 35 appearances, averaging 27.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

Leonard was highly efficient, shooting 52.6% from the floor, 46.8% from the 3-point area, and 89.7% from the free-throw line.

He needed to play heavy minutes after Paul George had a knee injury. With George still sidelined, the Clippers must get some production from Westbrook.

He has been playing well since moving to the Clips, averaging 15.8 points, 7.6 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals through 21 games for LA.

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He is shooting 48.9% from the field and 35.6% from the 3-point area, a significant improvement compared to his percentages with the Lakers.

Series schedule 

Game 1: LA Clippers at Phoenix Suns, Footprint Center (April 16, 8:00 p.m. ET)

Game 2: LA Clippers at Phoenix Suns, Footprint Center (April 18, 10:00 p.m. ET)

Game 3: Phoenix Suns at LA Clippers, Crypto.com Arena (April 20, 10:30 p.m. ET)

Game 4: Phoenix Suns at LA Clippers, Crypto.com Arena (April 22, 3:30 p.m. ET)

Game 5: LA Clippers at Phoenix Suns, Footprint Center (April 25, Time TBA)*

Game 6: Phoenix Suns at LA Clippers, Crypto.com Arena (April 27, Time TBA)*

Game 7: LA Clippers at Phoenix Suns, Footprint Center (April 29, Time TBA)*

* if necessary

Westbrook tackles Durant relationship

Sports Brief recently reported on Westbrook's relationship with Durant.

The LA Clippers addressed the duo's issues before the series opener.

Westbrook said he has no beef with his former Oklahoma City teammate.