In the first game of the Western Quarter Finals, the Phoenix Suns will host the New Orleans Pelicans. The game will be held on 18 April at 04:00 AM (+3 UTC). The Suns finished at the top spot in the West and are the defending Western Conference champions, here, they will host the New Orleans Pelicans, a team that won two Play-in games to reach this stage. Surely, Ingram and co. enter as the underdogs but will a one-week layoff make the Suns a bit rusty compared to the Pels that played a few days ago?
Bet on Phoenix Suns - New Orleans PelicansBest bets on Suns vs Pelicans
Total: Bookmakers from 22bet suggest that Total Over/Under 224.5 has the odds of 1.90. They suggest that the odds of Suns(Individual Total 1) going Over 117.5 are 1.90 while for the Pelicans, they suggest an Over/Under of 107.5 for 1.90. I have a feeling that the total will go “Over” here and both teams will do well on the offensive end (Total Over 224.5 for 1.90)
Player Props: Bookmakers at bet365 predict odds of 1.83 for CJ McCollum going Over 4.5 Assists here(At least 5 Assists). I reckon that CJ will have a big game both as a scorer and playmaker, and he will be threading the needle here. I believe he will go “Over” the Assists mark. (Player Props: Player Assists: CJ McCollum Over 4.5)
Handicap: Bookmakers at 1xbet see the Suns as winning this battle by a big margin. They predict that the handicap of -10.5 in the favor of the Suns brings the odds of 1.97 which means the bookmakers think that the Suns will be coming on top by a big margin here. I reckon this can be a close affair despite the Suns’ obvious depth and I see a +10.5 Handicap in favor of the Pelicans, so I see a close game. (Handicap 2 +10.5 for 1.97)
Where to Watch Suns vs Pelicans
This game is available on the NBA League Pass.
Bet on Phoenix Suns - New Orleans PelicansPhoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns set a high bar during the Regular Season and they will come firing off the gates in this game. It will be interesting how a week-long rest will affect the rhythm of the squad and the Pelicans will be coming after two wins in a row, having played just a few days ago. Despite that, the backcourt of Paul and Booker will be locked in to wreak havoc while wing Mikal Bridges’ improved play will be on full display here. DeAndre Ayton will play a crucial role in keeping Jonas Valanciunas off the boards while Jae Crowder and Bridges can make life difficult for Brandon Ingram. The Suns were unbeatable at their home floor but they will have to be in their A-game mode against a charged Pelicans squad.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans showed in the Play-in tournament that their defense is tight but now comes the litmus test. McCollum and Ingram have gotten it done on the offensive end while Valanciunas will have to be more aggressive on defense. Rookie Herbert Jones also had a couple of impressive outings and he may end up drawing the assignment of Devin Booker here. Apart from that, there is no doubt that the Pelicans made it so far due to the play of Larry Nance Jr., who put on a rebounding show and bailed the Pelicans out. Jaxson Hayes may see his minutes go to Larry again, someone who has been a better rebounder and more aggressive. The trouble is that the Suns have much more depth in their arsenal and their bench is also tight-knit. How will the Pelicans to the biggest challenge yet?
Suns vs Pelicans: possible lineups
- Suns most likely starting five: PG: Chris Paul | SG: Devin Booker | SF: Mikal Bridges | PF: Jae Crowder | C: Deandre Ayton;
- Pelicans most likely starting five: G: CJ McCollum | F: Herbert Jones | SF: Brandon Ingram | PF: Jaxson Hayes | C: Jonas Valanciunas.