New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns Match Preview, bets, odds, and more | 23 April

In this game, the Booker-less Suns will look to even things. The New Orleans Pelicans will host the Phoenix Suns in a game that will take place on 23 April @ 03:30 UTC(+3 UTC). Without Devin Booker, the team will look to find some magic via Chris Paul. Will Brandon and CJ deny the Suns again?

Handicap: The bookmakers at 1xbet favor the Suns to win despite the Game 2 loss and them playing without Devin Booker. I do align with this view considering Chris Paul is the Floor General and Mikal Bridges has shown the ability to get it together. I believe the Suns will come with a strong effort. That is why I believe the handicap of -4.5 in favor of the Suns can work out (Handicap 2 -4.5 for 2.27)

Individual Total 2: The bookmakers at 22bet believe that the equal odds of 1.90 are for total over/under 108.5. The Suns have breached that mark in the first two games, although Devin Booker was present. However, I believe that the Suns will be able to get their offense going with Paul lifting his scoring along with Bridges and Ayton. (Individual Total 2 Over 108.5 for 1.90)

Player Props: Bookmakers at bet365 predict that the odds of CJ McCollum going Over 5.5 Assists are 1.86. He dished 9 in the last game and 6 in Game 1. I do believe he will eclipse the mark again and that is why I’d go Over 5.5 Assists for CJ. (Player Props: Player Assists: CJ McCollum Over 5.5)

The match is available on NBA League Pass.

What makes the Pelicans special is that they have two willing playmakers in CJ and Brandon Ingram. Both of these players are terrific scorers and rebounders, thus the team is blessed with two all-around players. Unlike the Pelicans. the Suns have a more traditional framework, A Point Guard who acts as a Floor General in Chris Paul, a traditional big in Ayton who protects the paint and also can score inside and seize rebounds. On the other hand, Bridges is a slashing wing but this traditional framework takes a hit as Devin Booker, the designated off-guard is missing from the frame.

That is why Bridges and Ayton will have to pick their games and Jae Crowder, who has shot abysmally will have to roll in a bunch of points. Valanciunas has outrebounded Ayton so far but the offensively they have not been that far away. Defensively, the Pelicans can use their size to limit a much slower Suns team that lacks Booker but Paul knows how to work it out in the half-court setting. So, will McCollum get it going along with Ingram or will Bridges showcase his improved offensive game?

• Pelicans most likely starting five: G: CJ McCollum | SF: Brandon Ingram | PF: Jaxson Hayes | C: Jonas Valanciunas;
• Suns most likely starting five: PG: Chris Paul | SF: Cameron Johnson | SF: Mikal Bridges | PF: Jae Crowder | C: Deandre Ayton