Phoenix Suns - New Orleans Pelicans: Match Preview, Odds, and Much More | 27 April

The Playoffs' swords are off-the-sheaths and except for the Boston Celtics, no other team has qualified for the Second Round. As we get closer to the title race, the intensity will only pick up further as the NBA season collapses with each day. Considering this, the Phoenix Suns have a lot of work cut-out as they meet the New Orleans Pelicans in what has become a best-of-three series at this point.

Total: Bookmakers from 22bet suggest that Total Over/Under 215.5 has the odds of 1.90. The last game fetched 221 points and most of the games in the series have gone way past that mark especially when Brandon Ingram has got his hot hand going. I believe it will be over the total again. (Total Over 215.5 for 1.90)

Player Props: Bookmakers at bet365 predict odds of 1.83 for Brandon Ingram going Over 26.5 Points here(At least 27 points). Ingram has scored 30 or more in three games straight and he has especially taken over games in the second half of the games. I believe Ingram will continue his long trail of the hot offensive night here. That’s why I’ll choose to go “Over” here. (Player Props: Player Points: Brandon Ingram Over 26.5)

Handicap: Bookmakers at 1xbet see the Suns as winning this battle by a big margin. They lost the last game by a wide margin of 15 points and it was a tough situation for them in the second half. However, back at home, their confidence will be at a premium and the Suns will be looking to have some fun finally. I believe this will be a close game and the Pelicans may get closer than the suggested handicap of -6.5 for the Suns. (Handicap 2 +6.5 for 1.97)

This match is available on the NBA League Pass.

The Suns got to the Free-Throw Line just 15 times compared to 42 by the Pelicans. The Free-Throw disparities are clear and this is what usually happens when a team plays away from home. However, the biggest problem was that Chris Paul got into no offensive rhythm and shot just 2/8 from the field in the last game. Mikal Bridges shot just 4/11 in the last game and that was also a huge issue. Cameron Johnson’s offensive rhythm was off too while Jae Crowder has been a bit off too. Deandre Ayton has collected 20+ points night twice in a row and he will need to step it up. They will need more from Bridges and Paul in this game against the Pelicans’ offensive charge.

The Pelicans have got their gears going and the major production has come from Brandon Ingram whose tendency to score in a myriad of ways helps the team. Center Jonas Valanciunas has been a strong rebounder and he can be a viable scorer too. Herbert Jones has given more than just defense and he can be a decent offensive option too. CJ McCollum has done a great job running the Guard position and his ability to shoot and act as a playmaker both has been huge. Larry Nance brings the hustle and rebounding off the bench while Jose Alvarado has been a terrific energy bunny. The Pels will look to raise hell away from home and they have taken one game earlier.

• Suns most likely starting five: PG: Chris Paul | SF: Cameron Johnson | SF: Mikal Bridges | PF: Jae Crowder | C: Deandre Ayton Key bench players: JaVale McGee, Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet;
• Pelicans most likely starting five: G: CJ McCollum | F: Herbert Jones | SF: Brandon Ingram | PF: Jaxson Hayes | C: Jonas Valanciunas Key bench players: Larry Nance Jr., Jose Alvarado, Trey Murphy, Devonte Graham