Ranking 3 first-round matchups for the LA Clippers from least to most dangerous

Can the Clippers handle the Suns in the first round?
Can the Clippers handle the Suns in the first round? | Ronald Martinez/GettyImages
3 of 3

1. Phoenix Suns

The Kings may be a system team, but the Suns have got their own system. It’s the highly esteemed Go Get A Bucket system. Phoenix ranks sixth in isolation frequency at 8.1%. 

The Clippers lead the NBA in that same category (12.3%). If these two teams are going bucket for bucket, it could get interesting. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal are as formidable as a trio as you’ll find around the league. 

At least, in theory. In practice, the Suns haven’t fully coalesced in 2023-24 with the league’s 12th best ORtg (12th). Meanwhile, the Clippers have been a well-oiled machine. They’ll certainly have the edge in a matchup with the Suns - but beating them won’t be easy. 

Schedule