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The LA Clippers will look to break their Game 1 curse in the 2021 NBA playoffs when they take on the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Western Conference Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on Sunday.
The Clippers have been slow starters throughout the entire 2021 NBA playoffs so far. However, they were able to rally back from being 2-0 against both the Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz.
The Clippers are coming off a 4-2 series win against the Jazz in the Conference semi-finals. They will be in great spirits despite losing Kawhi Leonard to a knee injury recently that will see him ruled out for the third straight game on Sunday.
Paul Goerge, Marcus Morris Sr. and Reggie Jackson were phenomenal in his absence. They will need to be at their absolute best again to snatch home-court advantage off their opponents in Game 1.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns are coming off a 4-0 series victory against league MVP Nikola Jokic and his Denver Nuggets. They are the 2021 NBA playoffs' most successful side so far with an 80% win.
The Suns will also be without their leader Chris Paul, who is ruled out for Sunday's contest. He is currently in the league's health and safety protocols after he tested positive for Covid-19.
The likes of Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder will have to step up big time in his absence to lead the team to a third consecutive Game 1 win of a series in the 2021 NBA playoffs.
LA Clippers Injury Report
The LA Clippers have ruled Kawhi Leonard and Serge Ibaka out for Game 1.
Kawhi Leonard suffered a knee injury in Game 4 of the Utah Jazz series and hasn't featured in the last two matches for the team. Reports say he hasn't traveled with the Clippers to Phoenix for Game 1.
Coach Ty Lue said he was unsure of Kawhi's availability in Game 2 of the series. It is feared to be an ACL injury, but there have been no concrete reports regarding the same. For now, the Clippers have listed him as 'out indefinitely'.
Meanwhile, Ibaka underwent surgery for a back tightness problem that kept him out for a huge chunk of the regular season. He will be sidelined for the rest of the season.
Phoenix Suns Injury Report
The Phoenix Suns have been forced to rule Chris Paul out for Game 1 against the LA Clippers as he is currently in the league's health and safety protocols. The veteran point guard tested positive for Covid-19 on June 16th. There have been no further updates regarding his return.
LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns - Predicted Lineups
LA Clippers
The LA Clippers could make a few changes to their lineup from the last match they played against the Utah Jazz.
Ivica Zubac could return in place of Nicolas Batum to limit the threat of Deandre Ayton in the series against the Phoenix Suns. Meanwhile, the rest of the lineup will likely be the same. Reggie Jackson and Paul Goerge will start as guards, while Marcus Morris Sr. and Terrence Mann will pair up with Zubac on the frontcourt.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Batum, Luke Kennard and Rajon Rondo will likely play the most minutes coming off the LA Clippers bench.
Phoenix Suns
Chris Paul's absence means the Phoenix Suns will be forced to make changes to their starting five.
Cameron Payne, who has been the first-choice bench player to play the backcourt rotation minutes, will likely pair up with Devin Booker as the shooting guard. The frontcourt will feature forwards Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder pairing up with center Deandre Ayton.
Meanwhile, Cameron Johnson, Torey Craig and Dario Saric will likely play the most minutes off the Phoenix Suns bench.
LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns - Predicted Starting 5s
LA Clippers
Point Guard - Reggie Jackson | Shooting Guard - Paul George | Small Forward - Terance Mann | Power Forward - Marcus Morris Sr. | Center - Ivica Zubac.
Phoenix Suns
Point Guard - Devin Booker | Shooting Guard - Cameron Payne | Small Forward - Mikal Bridges | Power Forward - Jae Crowder | Center - Deandre Ayton.
Also read: LA Clippers vs Phoenix Suns Prediction and Match Preview - June 20th, 2021 | Game 1, 2021 NBA Playoffs
Guess the Lakers players!
