Playing without Zion Williamson in the postseason last season put the New Orleans Pelicans on the NBA’s radar.
By dragging the top-seeded Phoenix Suns to six games in the first round last season, the Pelicans earned everyone’s respect. Attempting to build off the tough playoff series has gone well for New Orleans.
Anyone making Pelicans vs. Suns best bets can see that New Orleans is off to a 3-1 start. The Pelicans have already started to see some cracks in the roster due to the NBA injury report.
Brandon Ingram has suffered a concussion and will miss the game with Phoenix, while Williamson is already day-to-day with a hip injury.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns
The New Orleans Pelicans will travel to Phoenix to tak on the Suns on Friday night for a 10 p.m. tip-off at the Footprint Center for one of the best NBA matchups of the evening.
Last Game Records
Pelicans odds today show New Orleans is 3-1 on the season, which included a 113-111 win over the Dallas Mavericks on October 25th.
Phoenix is also 3-1 this year and beat Golden State 134-105 on October 25th.
Pelicans vs. Suns Betting Analysis
Pelicans Analysis
The Pelicans’ odds today are heavily dependent on who will be able to suit up. New Orleans has started on the right foot thanks to the performances of:
- C.J. McCollum
- Williamson
- Ingram
So far, each of those three players has scored 20 or more points per game. Pelicans vs. Suns best bets would be a little easier to predict with those players.
Pelicans’ Dynamic Offense
When everyone is healthy, New Orleans will have a dynamic offense that keeps opponents occupied by chasing who to stop. When it comes to shooting, the Pelicans have been strong from all over the floor.
New Orleans is first in the league in field goal percentage, knocking down 49.9 percent of its shots.
The New Orleans Pelicans are also fifth in the league in 3-point percentage, making 39.2 percent of their shots from the perimeter.
Suns Analysis
Making Suns’ predictions has been easier thus far, as they have avoided the injury bug. Phoenix is third in the league in points allowed, only conceding 104.5 per game. Opponents also only shoot 32.8 percent from the outside against the Suns.
Devin Booker leads the Suns’ offense by scoring 32.5 points per game and contributing 5.8 assists per game.
Deandre Ayton nearly averages a double-double per game, putting up 18.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Chris Paul hands out a team-high 10.5 assists per contest.
Odds Breakdown
New Orleans Pelicans
Anyone making Pelicans vs. Suns best bets will see that New Orleans is a 6.5-point underdog. The Pelicans are +195 on the moneyline.
The over/under is set at 225 points. New Orleans is 3-1 against the spread this season. All four of its games have gone over the total.
Phoenix Suns
When it comes to NBA teams, the Suns are likely to be favored in most games they play in. Phoenix is a 6.5-point favorite and -240 on the moneyline.
The Suns have been favored in all four games they have played this season and are 3-1 against the spread.
Phoenix has seen the total go under in three of its four games.
New Orleans vs. Phoenix Betting Pick and Prediction
The Phoenix Suns should cover the spread at home in this one. Phoenix is a stout defensive team that would likely make New Orleans uncomfortable even if the Pelicans had their full lineup available.
Pelicans Without Ingram and William
But with Ingram out of the lineup and William possibly resting, New Orleans will lose a good chunk of its scoring.
If New Orleans is missing that pop due to the players on the NBA injury report and not in the lineup, Phoenix should be able to cover the spread.
The Pelicans have been a team unafraid to push the pace and try to get involved in higher-scoring games.
But Phoenix has a strong defense and won’t let a depleted Pelicans lineup get solid looks. This game will finish slightly lower than the total because New Orleans won’t be able to score at their quicker pace.
NBA Pick: Suns -7 (-110)
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