Suns vs. Pelicans Game 3 Predictions

Phoenix Suns (65-19 SU, 45-39-0 ATS) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (39-47 SU, 44-41-1 ATS)
When: Friday April 22 2022, 09:30 PM (ET)
Where: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
TV: N

Point Spread: PHX -1/NOP +1 (Opened PHX -1 at SportsBetting.ag)
Total: 216 (Opened at 219.5)
Money Line: Phoenix Suns -125/New Orleans Pelicans +105
Power Rating: PHX -2

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 Cameron Payne, SF Mikal Bridges, PF Jae Crowder, C Deandre Ayton

Key Injuries

Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker: Hamstring (OUT)
Dario Saric: Knee (OUT)

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

The New Orleans Pelicans host the Phoenix Suns in a Western-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 09:30 PM ET at the Smoothie King Center.

Recent Form

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 on the road, holding a record of 32-9. Over the Suns’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. In this stretch, Phoenix’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 111.0 points per game. Combined, the Suns’ last five opponents are giving up 110.0 points per contest. A key reason for Phoenix’s recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 112.0 points over their previous five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 107.4. In the Phoenix Suns’ most recent game, the team fell to New Orleans by a score of 125-114.

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 42 home contests, sitting at 20-22. The Pelicans have played well over their last five games, picking up 3 wins. In this stretch, New Orleans’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 110.0 points per game. Combined, the Pelicans’ last five opponents are giving up 108.0 points per contest. The Pelicans have been picking up victories while holding opponents to an average of 111.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 110.1.

Individual Player Analysis

As Phoenix travels to take on the New Orleans Pelicans, the Suns’ will need to make up for the scoring punch of Devin Booker, as he is out with a hamstring injury. In his absence, look for Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton to take on a bigger load. So far, the Pelicans are allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 50.82% of their games, placing them 19th among NBA defenses. On the other side, CJ McCollum leads the Pelicans in scoring, averaging 24 points across his 27 games. Throughout the season, McCollum has outscored his season average in 48.0% of his outings. However, if he hopes to add to this total, McCollum will need to do so against a Suns 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 47.62%. This figure is good for a rank of 10th 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 35 of Phoenix’s 41 games, leading to a winning percentage of 83%. So far, the New Orleans Pelicans have played 59 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 59 times, by an average margin of -13.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans have met up for 6 games. In their last meeting, New Orleans picked up a 125-114 win.

How the Public is Betting the Suns vs Pelicans

67% are betting the Suns against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of OFF

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Suns are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Conference Quarterfinals games.
• Suns are 10-3 ATS in their last 13 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Conference Quarterfinals games.
• Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 2 days rest.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

This series between Phoenix and New Orleans got a lot more interesting after the Pelicans came away with a surprising game 2 win on the road. As the series shifts to New Orleans, the Suns will have to figure out how to pick up the win without Devin Booker. During the regular season, the team played 14 games without their top scorer, going 8-6. However, even without Booker, the Suns still come into the game as the slight betting favorites. Look for Phoenix to pick up the win and cover the spread, as New Orleans needed a 57% shooting night from outside to pull of the upset. I don’t expect the Pelicans to be able to repeat this performance as Phoenix will pull ahead in the series. Bet your Suns/Pels pick and ALL your NBA wagers for FREE this week by taking advantage of a 100% bonus from one of the top tier bookies on our sportsbook bonuses page!