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Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans Predictions, Odds, Picks

Contributors
Updated October 14, 2022
5 min read
  • The Phoenix Suns don’t expect to have Devin Booker available for this match
  • The New Orleans Pelicans have all the momentum, winning Game 2 and starting a two-game home stand
  • The series is tied 1-1

Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans Odds

Suns Vs Pelicans 2022 04 22

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Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans Predictions and Pick

With Devin Booker likely unavailable for Game 3 and 4, the Suns need to find out where their scoring punch is going to come from. The Pelicans have all the offensive momentum and look to improve with home-court advantage.

Pick:

New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns

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Head-to-Head: Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans

Phoenix Suns Head-to-Head New Orleans Pelicans
Monty Williams Head Coach Willie Green
64-18 (1st in West) Standing 36-46 (9th in West)
L-W-L-W Form W-L-L-L
114.8 (4th of 30) Off Rtg 112.0 (19th of 30)
107.3 (3rd of 30) Def Rtg 113.0 (20th of 30)
99.8 (9th of 30) Pace 97.2 (21st of 30)

Leaders (Playoffs)

D. Booker (28.0) PPG B. Ingram (27.5)
D. Ayton (9.0) RPG J. Valanciunas (19.0)
C. Paul (12.0) APG C. McCollum (7.5)
C. Paul (2.0) SPG T. Murphy III (1.5)
D. Ayton (2.0) BPG C. McCollum (1.0)
J. McGee (1.00)/D. Booker (10.0) FG%/FGM N. Marshall (.750)/B. Ingram (9.5)
D. Booker (.579)/D. Booker (5.5) 3P%/3PM B. Ingram (.800)/C. McCollum (4.5)

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Injury Report

Player Team Date Status Info
Dario Saric Phoenix Suns 7 Jul 2021 Out (Knee) Saric suffered a torn ACL and will not return this season.
Devin Booker Phoenix Suns 20 Apr 2022 Out (Hamstring) There is no timetable for Booker’s return.
Kira Lewis Jr. New Orleans Pelicans 9 Dec 2021 Out (Knee) Lewis Jr. suffered a torn ACL and will not return this season.
Zion Williamson New Orleans Pelicans 5 Mar 2022 Out (Foot) Williamson has been cleared to progress in basketball activities, but there is no timetable for his return.

How Can the Suns Beat the Pelicans?

The Phoenix Suns will have their hands full when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans without Devin Booker. They’ll need better production from their role players to make up for his absence, as well as a better effort on defence.

In their Game 2 loss, the Phoenix Suns allowed their opponents to shoot 54.8% from the field and convert on 17 of their 30 three-point field goal attempts. Fourth in the NBA in three-point field goals allowed per game (11.6), Phoenix’s defence was well below their usual standards.

Before their offense, Phoenix needed to find the defensive form that earned them the best record in the NBA. If they continue to struggle to defend, a scoring battle isn’t in their favor.

Suns Key Player: (G) Chris Paul


Chris Paul’s priority is usually playmaking, but without Booker, in the line-up, he’ll have to assume primary scoring responsibilities as well. While he struggled from the field in his last game, Paul’s ability to orchestrate the offence can turn the tide of any game.

In-Game 2 Paul posted 17 points and 14 assists in 36 minutes of play. He struggled shooting the ball though, converting on just 5 of his 16 three-point field goal attempts.

Paul has proven to be a very capable scorer throughout his career, but creating for others will always be his priority. The more opportunities he can make for his teammates, the more he’ll be able to free himself up for baskets.

How Can the Pelicans Beat the Suns?

The Pelicans shocked the world and came up with a victory in Game 2. If they want to replicate their success, they’ll need to continue to convert on the opportunities created by their stars.

The combination of McCollum and Ingram combined for 60 points, 19 rebounds, and most importantly 18 assists. The Pelican’s role players were able to reward their creation with efficient finishing which gave them their lead.

Outside of those two players, the Pelicans don’t have much individual creative ability outside of Valanciunas in the post. New Orleans rewarded their stars’ playmaking with the baskets needed to overcome the tough defence of the Suns.

Pelicans Key Player: (F) Brandon Ingram


The New Orleans Pelicans are a much stronger team than many realized, especially when Brandon Ingram takes the lead. The wiry scoring ace is productive from every position on the court, and the Suns have had difficulty containing him.

In his last game, a victory in Game 2, Ingram posted 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists on 13 of 21 shooting from the field. He hit all 3 of his three-point field goal attempts and was a team-leading plus-18 on the night.

Against a Booker-less Suns team, it’ll be Ingram’s responsibility to set the offensive tone from the outset. If Ingram can find his offence early, the Suns might not have the power to keep up.

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How to Watch Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans

Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans Information
Who Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans
Where Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
When Friday, 9:30 PM EST, April 22nd, 2022
How to Watch ESPN
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Christian Jope WSN Contributors

Christian Jope

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Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
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