The No. 1 seed Phoenix Suns begin their playoff run Sunday, hoping to return to the NBA Finals for the second year in a row. They open the first round of the NBA playoffs at home against the New Orleans Pelicans, who earned the No. 8 seed after coming out of the play-in games. Tip-off is 9 p.m. ET at Footprint Center (on TNT). Below, we look at the Pelicans vs. Suns odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Pelicans finished the regular season in ninth place. They defeated the San Antonio Spurs 113-103 Wednesday and then the Los Angeles Clippers 105-101 Friday in the play-in tournament to make the playoffs. F Brandon Ingram had 30 points in the win over the Clippers.
The Suns finished the regular season with a franchise-record 64 wins, earning them the best record in the NBA and clinching home-court advantage throughout the postseason. They finished the season winning 11 of their final 15 games. With identical 32-9 records at home and on the road, they had the league’s best record in both categories.
Pelicans at Suns odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:18 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Pelicans +440 (bet $100 to win $440) | Suns -650 (bet $650 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +10.5 (-112) | Suns -10.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Pelicans at Suns key injuries
Pelicans
- PF Zion Williamson (foot) out
Suns
- SG Landry Shamet (foot) questionable
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Pelicans at Suns picks and predictions
Prediction
Suns 122, Pelicans 104
Money line
PASS.
The Suns (-650) had the league’s best home record, while the Pelicans went 17-24 on the road. The Suns are at full strength and rested, while the Pelicans had to play two games just to get here.
The Suns won three of four games in the head-to-head, regular-season series, and I expect them to win Sunday, but the -650 price doesn’t make sense as a single bet. You can include a Suns money line play in a parlay bet.
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Against the spread
Each of the Suns’ three regular-season wins over the Pelicans were by 12 points or more. The one Pelicans’ win was when the Suns were missing PG Chris Paul and PG Cameron Payne.
The Suns went 19-22 ATS at home this season. The Pelicans were 20-21 ATS on the road in the regular season.
The Pelicans are 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games. The Suns, while resting starters down the stretch, went 5-5 ATS in their last 10.
Take SUNS -10.5 (-108).
Over/Under
Two of the four games between the two stayed under 220. The other two were 233 and 246 points.
The Suns averaged 117.7 points per game after the All-Star break.
Expect a rested Suns team to roll offensively.
Take OVER 224.5 (-108).
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