Pelicans vs Suns Game 2 Analysis & Predictions

New Orleans Pelicans (38-47 SU, 43-41-1 ATS) vs. Phoenix Suns (65-18 SU, 45-38-0 ATS)
When: Tuesday April 19 2022, 10:00 PM (ET)
Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona
TV: BSNO

Point Spread: NOP +7/PHX -7 (Opened GSW -7.5 Everygame)
Total: 224 (Opened at 223.5)
Money Line: New Orleans Pelicans 235/Phoenix Suns -290
Power Rating: PHX -8

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 Chris Paul, SG Devin Booker, SF Mikal Bridges, PF Jae Crowder, C Deandre Ayton

Key Injuries

New Orleans Pelicans Zion Williamson: Foot (OUT) Kira Lewis Jr.: Knee (OUT)

Phoenix Suns Dario Saric: Knee (OUT)

The Phoenix Suns host the New Orleans Pelicans in a Western-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM ET at the Footprint Center.

Recent Form

The New Orleans Pelicans come into this game with an overall record of 36-46, placing them 9th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, New Orleans has struggled in their 43 road contests, sitting at 18-25. Over the Pelicans’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. In this stretch, New Orleans’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 108.0 points per game. Combined, the Pelicans’ last five opponents are giving up 109.0 points per contest. A key reason for New Orleans’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 117.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 110.1. In the New Orleans Pelicans’ most recent game, the team fell to Phoenix by a score of 110-99.

The Phoenix Suns come into this game with an overall record of 64-18, placing them 1st in the Western Conference. So far, Phoenix is above .500 at home, holding a record of 33-9. The Suns have played well over their last five games, picking up 3 wins. In this stretch, Phoenix’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 112.0 points per game. Combined, the Suns’ last five opponents are giving up 111.0 points per contest. The Suns have been picking up victories while holding opponents to an average of 109.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 107.2. In the Phoenix Suns’ most recent game, Phoenix took down New Orleans by a score of 110-99.

Individual Player Analysis

As New Orleans travels to take on the Phoenix Suns, the Pelicans’ leading scorer is CJ McCollum. Through 27 games, McCollum is averaging 24 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 48.0% of his games. As McCollum gets set to take on the Suns, he could be in line for a big game as Phoenix is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 53.03% of their games. This figure places them 25th among NBA defenses. On the other side, Devin Booker leads the Suns in scoring, averaging 26 points across his 79 games. Throughout the season, Booker has outscored his season average in 48.0% of his outings. On the season, the Pelicans have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 50.0% of their games, giving them a rank of 14th among NBA defenses.

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 35 of Phoenix’s 80 games, leading to a winning percentage of 80%. So far, the New Orleans Pelicans have played 21 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 21 times, by an average margin of -17.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns have met up for 5 games. In their last meeting, Phoenix picked up a 110-99 win.

How the Public is Betting the Pelicans vs Suns

67% are betting the Suns against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 224

More Picks: Get Dan’s MLB Pick on the Toronto at Boston 4/19/22 Game >>>

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
• Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss.
• Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
• Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 playoff games as a favorite.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

The Phoenix Suns come into game 2 of their series with the Pelicans as 7.5-point favorites at home. During the regular season, New Orleans averaged 109 points per game. However, the Suns held the team to just 99 points as New Orleans hit just 38% of their field goal attempts. On the other side, the Suns had an incredibly efficient scoring night, knocking down 53% of their shots from the field. This performance doesn’t come as a surprise as Phoenix was the 2nd ranked team in effective field goal percentage (50.9%) while taking on the 26th rated defensive unit in this category. Look for the Suns to once again take care of business at home, as they cover the 7.5-point spread.