The NBA Playoffs have been raging in full rhythm and as of now, we have seen the Celtics, the Heat, the Bucks, and the Warriors qualify for the Semis. The Celtics and the Bucks will move to the second round, while the rest of the slate still is open. In this game, the top-ranked Phoenix Suns will visit the New Orleans Pelicans in the First-Round Match-up as the Pels look to extend their season after being down two-three? Can the Pelicans once again surprise the Suns?
Bet on New Orleans Pelicans-Phoenix Suns
Best bets on Pelicans vs Suns
Total: Bookmakers from 22bet suggest that Total Over/Under 214 has the odds of 1.90. The last game fetched 209 and that was the least scoring game in all of the series. Mostly the games have gone past 215 and it will be interesting to see how Pels after being limited to 97. I believe this will be a game where both the teams click on the offensive end and I see this going Over 214. (Total Over 214 for 1.90)
Player Props: Bookmakers at bet365 predict odds of 1.90 for Brandon Ingram going Over 25.5 Points here(At least 26 points). Brandon has scored 30 or more in three of the five games. He was limited to 22 on a below 40% in the last game but I see him overcoming this at home and popping off for at least 27 points. I believe he will go “Over” here. (Player Props: Player Points: Brandon Ingram Over 25.5)
Handicap: Bookmakers at 1xbet see the Suns winning this battle but not by a big margin. They won the last game by 15 points but the Pels have shown the ability to bounce back and push the Suns away late in the game. I believe this will one of those games and I expect a big night from both McCollum and Ingram. That is why I’d take a gamble on Pels to win by at least 3 points (Handicap 1 -2.5 for 2.40)
Where to Watch Pelicans vs Suns
This game is available on the NBA League Pass.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns got Mikal Bridges going in the last game and that was the difference between the two teams. Bridges banged in 31 points while also blocking a ton of shots, having a strong effect on both ends of the floor. Deandre Ayton has lifted his game since Game 3 and has at least made sure that he gets close to 20 points. He has also given strong help defense and has also helped out on the rebounding end. On the other hand, the major purveyor has been Chris Paul, who continues to be the best passer in the league, he has committed just around 1 turnover per game while dishing 12 assists a game, which is unheard of stat in terms of assists to turnover ratio. Jae Crowder and Cameron Johnson have been rather off from the field but they give a lot more than just the offensive output.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans were shut down from the three-point line in the last game, shooting around 20%. CJ McCollum shot just 1/8 from the three-point line and overall, the Suns were able to both force turnovers and keep the Pelicans away from the second-chance points. If the Pelicans don’t see a big production from Brandon Ingram, their chances of winning dwindle significantly. Jonas Valanciunas has been a terrific rebounder while his offense has clicked in the last two games. Herbert Jones continues to play elite defense but the Pels will need him to find his groove on the offensive end as well. The bench is headlined by Jose Alvarado who has been in the limelight due to some amazing plays. Meanwhile, Larry Nance Jr. will be huge as a rebounding threat and he will need to pump more production here for sure. Pels wishes Devonte Graham’s shot was on from beyond the arc because that would have been a huge plus. Can they save their season?
Pelicans vs Suns: possible lineups
- 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.
