New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns Picks 2/25/22

by | Last updated Feb 25, 2022 | nba

New Orleans Pelicans (23-36 SU, 28-30-1 ATS) vs. Phoenix Suns (49-10 SU, 33-26-0 ATS)

When: Friday February 25 2022, 09:00 PM (ET)

Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona

TV: BSNO

Point Spread: NOP +7.5/PHX -7.5(Opened at PHX -8.5 at BetNow – Now offering a 100% real cash bonus up to $1000!)

Total: 224.5 (Opened at 226.5)

Money Line: New Orleans Pelicans 265/Phoenix Suns -330

Power Rating: PHX -8.5

Probable Starting Lineups

New Orleans Pelicans PG C.J. McCollum, SG Herb Jones, SF Brandon Ingram, PF Jaxson Hayes, C Jonas Valanciunas

Phoenix Suns PG Devin Booker, SG Mikal Bridges, SF Cameron Johnson, PF Jae Crowder, C Deandre Ayton

Key Injuries

Pelicans
Didi Louzada Silva: knee (OUT) Zion Williamson: foot (OUT)

Suns
No Reported Injuries

The Phoenix Suns host the New Orleans Pelicans in a Western Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 9:00 PM ET at the Footprint Center.

Recent Form

The New Orleans Pelicans come into this game with an overall record of 23-36, placing them 11th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, New Orleans has struggled in their 29 road contests, sitting at 10-19. Over the Pelicans’ last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. During this stretch, New Orleans is averaging 112.0 points per game, 6.0 points more than their season average of 106.3. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 107.0 points per contest. A key reason for New Orleans’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 114.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 109.5. In the New Orleans Pelicans’ most recent game, the team fell to the Okla City by a score of 125-118.

The Phoenix Suns come into this game with an overall record of 49-10, placing them 1st in the Western Conference. So far, Phoenix is above .500 at home, holding a record of 26-5. The Suns have played well over their last five games, picking up 5 wins. During this stretch, Phoenix is averaging 123.0 points per game, 9.0 points more than their season average of 113.8. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 111.0 points per contest. The Suns have been picking up victories while holding opponents to an average of 107.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 105.5.’ In the Phoenix Suns’ most recent game, Phoenix took down Oklahoma City by a score of 124-104.

ROGERS' DIVISION GAME OF THE MONTH *31-17 RUN

Will Rodgers Sports HandicapperI'm off another fine day "in the neighborhood" as it was a 3-1 Thursday, including a HUGE Game of the YEAR winner on the 49ers! Now 31-17-2 with ALL plays the L13 days! Last night's lone loss did come in the NBA (Pelicans lost in OT), but I remain +$16,090 in the "Association" since the start of last season! Here's a 10* Division Game of the Month for Friday, ready and waiting!!

Individual Player Analysis

As New Orleans travels to take on the Phoenix Suns, the Pelicans’ leading scorer is CJ McCollum. Through 5 games, McCollum is averaging 28 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 60.0% of his games. Against the Suns, McCollum will need to be on top of his game as Phoenix is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their average in 44.0% of their games, placing them in the top 10. On the other side, Devin Booker leads the Suns in scoring, averaging 25 points across his 58 games. Throughout the season, Booker has outscored his season average in 48.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, Booker will need to do so against a Pelicans defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 40.82%. This figure is good for a rank of 6th in the league.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Phoenix Suns are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 26 of Phoenix’s 59 games, leading to a winning percentage of 85%. So far, the Phoenix Suns have played 19 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 19 times, by an average margin of -14.0 points.

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The Historicals

So far, the Pelicans and Suns have met up for two games, with Phoenix taking both matchups.

How the Public is Betting the Pelicans vs Suns

62% are betting the Suns against the spread.

67% are wagering on the game to go under the posted total of 226

Betting Trends Worth Noting

  • Pelicans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road underdog.
  • Pelicans are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games.
  • Suns are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games vs. a team with a winning % below .400.
  • Suns are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Although very few teams match up well with the Phoenix Suns, this is a particularly bad opponent for the New Orleans Pelicans as they are one of the least efficient offensive units in the NBA. On the other side, Phoenix is the top-rated three-point defense, giving up a shooting percentage of just 33%. Look for the Suns to cover this spread at home. Note: If you’re sportsbook balance is busted out, don’t re-deposit and get NOTHING! Always look at taking advantage of a 100% sportsbook bonus at one of many of our top tier online sportsbooks! Free money is good money!