The New Orleans Pelicans (2-1) play the Phoenix Suns (2-1) Tuesday at PHX Arena at 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Pelicans-Suns NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Pelicans at Suns: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:30 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Pelicans +215 (bet $100 to win $215) | Suns -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Pelicans +2.5 (-110) | Suns -2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 221.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Pelicans at Suns: Key Injuries
Pelicans
- No one that alters the gambling lines
Suns
- No one that alters the gambling lines
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Pelicans at Suns: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Pelicans 116, Suns 111
Money line (ML)
We’re only three games into the NBA season but it’s astounding that Pelicans-Suns is a meeting between the first- and second-best scoring defenses in the NBA.
I do think New Orleans defense is more legitimate at this juncture since they held the San Antonio Spurs below 100 points and gave them their first loss of the season, played the 2019-20 Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat Sunday (111-98 loss) and held the Toronto Raptors to fewer than 100 points Dec. 23.
The Suns played the Sacramento Kings in back-to-back games coming into Tuesday (the Kings were 22nd last season in points per game) and held them to a total of 206 points. They held a Dallas Mavericks team which was No. 1 in offensive rating last season to just 102 points in their first game of the year.
My reasons for having more faith in the Pelicans defense is because starting PG Lonzo Ball is a top defensive guard, who’s ascending whereas Suns PG Chris Paul is 35. New Orleans’ offseason acquisition of elite defensive C Steven Adams is already paying dividends, as well.
Also, there’s a very legitimate argument about who’s the best player in this game between Pelicans SF Brandon Ingram and Suns SG Devin Booker. My preference is Ingram because outside of the top stars of the NBA, no one has Ingram’s offensive versatility. Furthermore, I give Pelicans SG Eric Bledsoe a much better chance of disrupting Booker than Suns SF Mikal Bridges vs. Ingram.
Let’s SPRINKLE on PELICANS (+115) for a quarter-unit with the plan of hitting the spread harder.
Against the spread (ATS)
The bulk of my handicap sits above this section but I have one more little factor to consider: Pelicans-Suns is a Pros vs. Joes spot. According to Pregame.com, 68% of the money is on the Pelicans while 57% of the bets placed are with the Suns.
Generally, the money column is the sharp side and the tickets/bets column is the public money. Let’s follow the money and TAKE PELICANS +2.5 (-110) for 1.5 units before this ticks down even more.
Over/Under (O/U)
Like the ATS market in Pelicans-Suns, this is a Pros vs. Joes situation with the money coming in on the Under but more bets on the Over. I’m torn so I’ll PASS with a slight lean on the Over 221.5 (-110).
I know I just talked about following the money but my feeling is we see some awesome offense between these two organizations that are seemingly getting their ducks in a row.
I doubt the Pelicans’ and Suns’ defensive efficiency will stay as well-rated throughout the season, so I am fine with just playing the Pelicans side and laying off the total.
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