As the 2024-25 NBA season tips off, all eyes will be on superstar Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns as they take on the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena. With the Clippers missing key pieces, Durant is poised to make a statement in the season opener.
Durant’s Stellar Stat Line
Expected to continue where he left off last season, Durant is coming off another All-NBA Second Team selection. The 14-time All-Star averaged an impressive 27.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game in the 2023-24 campaign.
Against a Clippers team without their own superstar, Kawhi Leonard, the veteran forward will be looking to showcase his offensive prowess.
Prop Bets to Watch
DraftKings Sportsbook sets Durant’s lines for the season opener at 24.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.5 blocks, and 0.5 steals. Given his track record, these numbers appear quite modest, and there are several enticing prop bets to consider.
Durant’s 24.5 points line, currently set at -120, presents an intriguing option. Durant has consistently proven his ability to light up the scoreboard, and with the Clippers’ defense potentially in flux, he could easily surpass this total.
For those feeling bold, an alternative line of 30+ points for Durant is available at +230, presenting an opportunity for a higher-risk, higher-reward bet.
Clippers’ defensive woes
Leonard’s absence, still recovering from knee inflammation, will test the Clippers’ defense. The absence of backup center Mo Bamba due to knee soreness could also pose a concern for the team’s depth.
This opens the door for Durant, along with his Suns teammates Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, to potentially take advantage and put on an offensive showcase. With the Clippers’ defensive anchor sidelined, the Suns’ trio of scoring threats could potentially excel.
Suns’ Offensive Firepower
This season, the Suns’ offense is poised to be a formidable force. In addition to Durant, Booker and Beal form a deadly trio that should keep opposing defenses on their toes.
While the Clippers have some talented players, their current injury situation and the overall star power of the Suns may prove to be too much to handle on opening night.
A Statement Game for Durant
As the Suns look to get off to a strong start, Durant will undoubtedly be motivated to make a statement in the season opener. The veteran forward has been vocal about his desire to win another championship, and a dominant performance against the Clippers could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
Given the offensive depth of the Suns and the defensive struggles of the Clippers, Durant has the opportunity to demonstrate his scoring prowess and guide his team to a convincing victory.
Conclusion
The 2024-25 NBA season is underway, and all eyes will be on Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns as they take on the shorthanded Los Angeles Clippers. With the Clippers missing key players, Durant has a prime opportunity to assert his dominance and set the tone for what could be another stellar season for the future Hall of Famer.
Whether it’s surpassing his point total or capitalizing on the Clippers’ defensive weaknesses, Durant’s performance in the season opener will be one to watch closely as the Suns look to make a statement and begin their quest for an NBA championship.
Table of Contents