PHOENIX SUNS

Clippers to play starters vs. resting Suns, L.A. earns No. 5 seed with win

Apr 8, 2023, 4:50 PM

The Phoenix Suns are that much closer to finding out their first round matchup of the 2023 Western Conference Playoffs.

Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said the team would be playing all healthy players on Sunday against Phoenix.

Kevin Durant (left ankle injury management), Devin Booker (rest), Chris Paul (rest), Deandre Ayton (rest), Bismack Biyombo (right knee bone contusion) and Cam Payne (low back soreness) are all listed as out for the Suns Sunday against the Clippers, the team announced. Phoenix rested four starters against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.

The matchup is the 82nd and final game of the regular season and could be the future first round playoff matchup.

If the Clippers were to win, L.A. would be the No. 5 seed and travel to Phoenix for the first round.

The Clippers have been battling through injuries throughout the year, as star Kawhi Leonard has appeared in 50 games and guard Paul George is currently out with a sprained right knee and it is unknown when he will return.

Forward Marcus Morris Sr. also missed Saturday’s game with back spasms.

If Los Angeles were to lose and Golden State were to win against the Portland Trailblazers, then Phoenix would square off against the Warriors in the first round.

The Suns and Clippers last faced off the in playoffs in the 2021 Western Conference Finals during Phoenix’s run to the NBA Finals.

Although much of the Los Angeles team is still in tact from the Suns’ 4-2 series win in 2021, Leonard missed that series.

Phoenix’s last potential opponent to play in the first round is the New Orleans Pelicans. If New Orleans wins and both Golden State and the Clippers lose, then the Suns would take on a rematch from last year with the Pelicans.

Phoenix Suns

Suns...

Kellan Olson

Shorthanded Suns put up fight, lose steam vs. Rockets

The Phoenix Suns fought like hell in Wednesday's 119-111 loss to the Houston Rockets, an admirable effort so shorthanded but still a performance when their key problems persisted.

12 hours ago

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker is out Wednesday night vs. the Rockets...

Tyler Drake

Devin Booker among Suns ruled out vs. Houston Rockets

The Phoenix Suns will be without star guard Devin Booker and a handful of others when they take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.

20 hours ago

Kevin Durant, Suns...

Kellan Olson

Kevin Durant joins rare 30K club, Suns lose to Grizzlies

Kevin Durant reached a historical accomplishment of 30,000 career points in the Suns' loss to the Grizzlies.

1 day ago

Kevin Durant...

Damon Allred

Kevin Durant becomes 8th player to reach 30,000 career points

Kevin Durant reached 30,000 career points on Tuesday, making the Suns forward the eighth player to reach the milestone in NBA history.

1 day ago

Bol Bol...

Damon Allred

Bol Bol gets the start at PF for Suns vs. Grizzlies

The Phoenix Suns gave Bol Bol the start at power forward against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday for his first start in his 60th game as a Sun.

2 days ago

Suns...

Kellan Olson

Rotation quibbles hang over Suns’ fight for postseason spot

The dueling forces for what direction the Phoenix Suns should go in the future are actively playing a role in their current season.

2 days ago

Clippers to play starters vs. resting Suns, L.A. earns No. 5 seed with win