Another year, another key absence for the Clippers. Paul George is expected to miss Game 1 and likely more of Los Angeles' first round playoff series against the Suns, dealing a blow to a matchup that looks like a great one on paper.
When the Clippers and Suns take the court on Sunday in Phoenix, the pressure will be on Kawhi Leonard to fill the void left by George. That's easier said than done against the Suns, who haven't been beaten when Kevin Durant is active.
Phoenix is the No. 4 seed in the West, but the franchise enters the playoffs with championship expectations thanks to the acquisition of Durant and the wide-open conference. All eyes will be on Durant, who's missed 35 games this season but has looked anything but rusty when on the floor.
Before the Suns start thinking about a potential matchup with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, they'll have to get past a plucky Clippers team that has overperformed despite injuries ever since Tyronn Lue took over in 2020.
MORE: Dates, TV schedule, brackets for 2023 NBA Playoffs
The series starts up this weekend at the Footprint Center, where the Suns went 28-13 this season but lost to the Clippers twice. Here's what you need to know to watch Suns vs. Clippers, including start time and TV schedule.
What time is Suns vs. Clippers?
- Date: Sunday, April 16
- Time: 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT)
- Location: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Az.
Game 1 between the Suns and Clippers will tip off at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time) on Sunday from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Az.
MORE: Suns vs. Clippers odds, prediction, key storyline, schedule for 2023 NBA Playoffs series
What channel is Suns vs. Clippers on?
- TV channel: TNT
- Live stream: Sling TV
Game 1 of the first round playoff series between the Suns and Clippers will be broadcast on TNT. Viewers can also live stream the game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA's biggest playoff games on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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Suns vs. Clippers series schedule, TV channels
Game 1 of the seven-game series between the Suns and Clippers will take place on Sunday, April 16. The series will shift to Los Angeles for Game 3 and return to Phoenix for Game 5 if necessary.
Below is a full schedule for the Suns vs. Clippers playoff series.
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| April 16 | Game 1 | Footprint Center | 8 p.m. | TNT |
| April 18 | Game 2 | Footprint Center | 10 p.m. | TNT |
| April 20 | Game 3 | Crypto.com Arena | 10:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| April 22 | Game 4 | Crypto.com Arena | 3:30 p.m. | TNT |
| April 25 | Game 5* | Footprint Center | TBD | TBD |
| April 27 | Game 6* | Crypto.com Arena | TBD | TBD |
| April 29 | Game 7* | Footprint Center | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
