Western Conference Showdown: Clippers vs Suns on February 1
The Los Angeles Clippers will host the Phoenix Suns on February 1, 2026, in a crucial NBA matchup that could significantly impact the Western Conference standings. Both teams are fiercely competing for playoff positioning, with injuries playing a major role in how this important game unfolds. The outcome may hinge on rotation decisions and bench production as both franchises navigate significant absences.
Injury Reports: Key Players Missing for Both Teams
Phoenix Suns Injury Report for February 1
The Phoenix Suns enter this game dealing with a critical absence and another uncertain status in their backcourt:
- Devin Booker - Out (right ankle sprain): Booker aggravated his ankle during a recent game against Atlanta and will not play. His absence removes the team's primary shot creator and late-game offensive option, forcing more offensive responsibility onto other players.
- Jalen Green - Questionable (right hamstring strain / hip soreness): Green is listed as questionable for the matchup. If he does play, his minutes could be limited. Should he sit, Tyus Jones and reserve guards will need to handle additional ball-handling duties.
- Available core players will need to step up significantly in Booker's absence.
Los Angeles Clippers Injury Report for February 1
The Los Angeles Clippers have managed multiple injuries throughout the season, requiring ongoing adjustments to their lineup:
- Bradley Beal - Out for season (hip): Beal's hip issue has ended his season prematurely. Without him, the Clippers rely more heavily on James Harden and Kawhi Leonard for scoring production.
- Derrick Jones Jr. - Day-to-day (knee): Jones is dealing with a knee problem. If he plays, he provides valuable defense on the wing and transition assistance. His absence would reduce perimeter depth.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic - Day-to-day (hamstring): Bogdanovic has been limited by hamstring tightness. His shooting and playmaking abilities are particularly important for spacing around Harden and Leonard.
- Expected to play: James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac are all expected to be available, giving the Clippers their primary playmaker, leading scorer, and interior defender.
Head-to-Head History and Recent Results
Phoenix has historically dominated this matchup and continues to control recent meetings between the two teams.
All-time regular-season record:
- Suns: 144 wins
- Clippers: 102 wins
The teams have played 246 regular-season games, with Phoenix winning the majority across multiple eras. In their most recent playoff meeting during the first round of the 2022-23 playoffs, Phoenix won the series 4-1 against an injury-plagued Clippers roster.
2025-26 season series:
- Season series leader: Suns 2-1
- Recent meeting: Phoenix secured a road win in Los Angeles
Phoenix has already won two of the three matchups this season, including a recent victory in Los Angeles.
Team Statistics Entering February 1
Phoenix Suns Current Status:
- Record: Approximately 30-19, keeping them in the top-six range of the Western Conference
- Offense: A top-10 group when healthy, primarily led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker
- Defense: Improved compared to earlier in the season, typically ranking near the middle of the league
- Key strength: Shot creation from Durant and Booker, complemented by floor spacing from players like Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale
Los Angeles Clippers Current Status:
- Recent record: About 34-15 over their last 20 games, demonstrating strong form despite injury challenges
- Offense: Balanced attack with Harden directing possessions and Leonard serving as the primary scorer
- Defense: Solid interior presence with Zubac and flexibility on the wings when healthy, though injuries have affected perimeter consistency
- Key strength: Harden's exceptional playmaking combined with Leonard's impact on both ends of the court, particularly in half-court situations
Western Conference Impact and Key Matchups
This game may ultimately come down to which team manages its missing players more effectively. Phoenix is expected to lean heavily on Kevin Durant for scoring production, with Tyus Jones guiding the offense and role players taking on larger defensive assignments. If Jalen Green cannot play or is limited, Phoenix's offense could become more predictable and easier to defend.
For the Clippers, James Harden will likely control the game's pace, with Kawhi Leonard as the main scoring option and Ivica Zubac protecting the paint. Outside shooting and ball movement will become even more critical without Bradley Beal's presence. Additional absences could significantly affect bench production and overall team depth.
Key matchups to watch:
- James Harden vs. Phoenix's defense: Without Devin Booker, Phoenix may depend more on secondary defenders. Harden's pick-and-roll play and passing ability will thoroughly test those defensive rotations.
- Health moving forward: Any new injury to central players like Durant, Leonard, or Harden could affect more than just this single game, especially with playoff positioning still unsettled in the competitive Western Conference.
The February 1 game between the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns remains critically important despite several key players being unavailable. Phoenix holds the all-time advantage and leads the current season series, while the Clippers enter with strong recent results and home court advantage. Booker's absence, Green's status, and the health of Jones and Bogdanovic could all significantly influence how the game develops. Execution and depth may matter as much as star power in this crucial Western Conference matchup.
