Main Page

Pelicans vs Suns: Preview, Prediction and Betting Pick

Lou Ramon Aguila Sports Editor

Updated4 hours ago on April 23, 2024

Disclosure

We independently review everything we recommend based on our strict editorial guidelines. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn More

Tuesday night’s matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns feature two teams searching for answers following a slow start to their campaigns. BetUS has already posted Moneyline and ATS odds for this Western Conference duel. Check that out below.

Game Information

Start time: 10:00 p.m. ET

Location: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona

TV channels: NBA League Pass, TNT, Bally Sports Arizona, Bally Sports New Orleans

Radio broadcast: KTAR, KMVP, KLRZ

Live stream: fuboTV (seven-day free trial)

50% up to $1000 Welcome Bonus

Play Now

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Lines

Point Spread: Pelicans +10.5

Moneyline: Pelicans +475, Suns -650

Total: O/U 215 points

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns Team News

Zion Williamson’s 2021-22 NBA season debut may wait a bit longer than expected. According to Scott Kushner of NOLA.com, team physicians are still trying to establish clarity on Williamson’s surgically repaired right foot status. The injury has kept the explosive forward from playing this season, forcing the Pelicans to play without its franchise player through the first seven games. The latest MRI showed an encouraging sign, but that doesn’t mean Williamson will play anytime soon. Kushner believes it will take another round of scan – which will be conducted in two or three weeks – to determine if the player is already fit to play.

DeAndre Ayton assures himself of a qualifying offer worth $16.4 million once he becomes a restricted free agent after this season. This came after the Suns’ big man met the starter criteria, which is the basis for increasing the value of a player’s qualifying offer. Ayton, still few games short of reaching 82 starts, benefited from the slight adjustment made in the said criteria, which now accounts the matches from last season’s 72-game schedule.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns Injury Report

Pelicans: Gary Temple – Probable (Ankle), Brandon Ingram – Doubtful (Hip), Devonte Graham – Doubtful (Hip), Zion Williamson – OUT (Foot), Daulton Hommes – OUT (Fibula)

Suns: Cameron Payne – OUT (Hamstring), Dario Saric – OUT (Knee), and DeAndre Ayton – OUT (Leg)

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns Preview

It’s an understatement to say that the Pelicans direly need the production Williamson brings to the court, especially on the offensive end. With the player still in street clothes, New Orleans had to rely on Brandon Ingram, who has remained a consistent point-getter for his team this season. The former All-Star is averaging 25.0 points on 46 FG% and 45 3PT%. He has also improved his all-around game as he averages 7.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. Despite upping his numbers for a third consecutive year, Ingram couldn’t lift his team on his back alone. Valanciunas and Graham are chipping in solid stats, but New Orleans tends to struggle in the late game.

Speaking of late-game collapse, the Suns are also dealing with some difficulty in closing out games. Devin Booker averages at least 22 points per game, and Chris Paul dishes ten dimes a contest. Still, Phoenix are missing valuable contributions from their bench, which played a crucial role in their ascend to elitedom last season.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns Predictions

The Pelicans and Suns played three times last season, with the latter winning two of those games. Phoenix average 114 points on 49.6 percent FG% shooting in that regular-season series.

Although the Suns are not playing like a team that came two wins short of winning a title, this team will eventually find a way to get things rolling. They have a seasoned coach in Monte Williams and a savvy locker room leader in Chris Paul to keep grinding through the remainder of the season. That’s said, it only seems right to bet on the Suns in this game not because they are the talented team, but they just have the personnel to perform in the clutch.