The Los Angeles Clippers play host to the Phoenix Suns at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday.

The Suns (16-12) come into this matchup amid a five-game losing streak. That's the worst stretch this club has had in over two years, and it's easy to understand why. They've been playing without Devin Booker, who continues to miss games because of a hamstring issue. The good news is that his absence isn't expected to be long-term, and some are hopeful that he'll be ready to return here. That looks even worse since Chris Paul missed 14 games earlier in the year while Deandre Ayton suffered an ankle injury in their most recent defeat. Not many teams in the NBA can compete with their three best players nicked up, and Phoenix will try its best to steady the ship.

The Clippers (17-13) have been much better over recent weeks, posting a 15-9 record across their last 24 games. They also grabbed a 20-point win over the Boston Celtics just a few days ago, and a victory over the best team in the NBA shows how scary this team can be. Kawhi Leonard had the best game of his season, finishing with 25 points, nine rebounds and six assists on 10-of-12 from the field. Clippers fans have been waiting to see that all season and it's scary since Paul George continues to ball out. That's one of the most dynamic duos in the NBA, and they're surrounded by a bunch of talented role players as well. Don't count this team out quite yet!

These teams played on October 23, with Phoenix prevailing, 112-95. That gives the Suns three wins in their last four matchups with the Clippers in this series.