The LA Clippers (44-38) win over an intentionally depleted Phoenix Suns (45-37) team today ensured that the two teams would face off in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
The Suns played today without a plethora of rotation players, sitting starters Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton (rest) and several backups: Cameron Payne (tailbone bruise), Bismack Biyombo (knee strain), T.J. Warren (illness) from the opening tip. Torrey Craig played only the first five minutes of the game. That’s eight rotation players right there.
Meanwhile, the Clippers were playing their full rotation, minus the injured Paul George who has missed the last 9 games with a sprained right knee.