PHOENIX SUNS

Clippers go big in starting lineup for Game 2 of WCF vs. Suns

Jun 22, 2021, 5:42 PM

Fans cheer after the Phoenix Suns scored against the LA Clippers during the second half of game one...

Fans cheer after the Phoenix Suns scored against the LA Clippers during the second half of game one of the Western Conference Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on June 20, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Phoenix Suns will have the same starting lineup, while the Los Angeles Clippers will switch it up by going big for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

The Suns will retain their starting unit of Cam Payne, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder and Deandre Ayton.

The Clippers will trot out Reggie Jackson, Patrick Beverley, Paul George, Marcus Morris Sr. and Ivica Zubac.

Perimeter menace Beverley and center Zubac start in place of wings Nicolas Batum and Terance Mann, who were part of a small-ball unit in Game 1.

Los Angeles played two centers in the rotation for Game 1, Zubac and DeMarcus Cousins. Zubac started the second half in place of Morris, who was experiencing issues with his knee and went on to play only 21 minutes. He is available in Game 2.

Cousins had a strong first half before struggling in the second half. He finished with 11 points and five fouls in 13 minutes.

Phoenix is without point guard Chris Paul still, as he remains in health and safety protocols. First Team All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard is also out for the second straight game for the Clippers in the series. Suns head coach Monty Williams and Clippers head coach Ty Lue did not have updates on their statuses heading into Game 3 on Thursday in Los Angeles.

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals begins at 6 p.m., and you can hear the action on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

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