The New Orleans Pelicans (1-6) kick off a four-game road trip that starts with the Phoenix Suns (2-3) Tuesday night. They tip off at 10 p.m. ET at Footprint Arena. Below, we look at the Pelicans vs. Suns odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Pelicans have lost three games in a row for the second time this season. They have not yet had F Zion Williamson, as he has been out with a foot injury to start the year. During their current three-game skid, they have lost by a total of 13 points.
The Suns picked up their first home win of the year over the Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday night. G Devin Booker had his best game so far this season with 27 points and nine assists.
Pelicans at Suns odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:11 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Pelicans +550 (bet $100 to win $550) | Suns -850 (bet $850 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +11.5 (-112) | Suns -11.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 215.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Pelicans at Suns key injuries
Pelicans
- F Zion Williamson (hip) out
- G Devonte’ Graham (abductor) questionable
- G Garrett Temple (ankle) questionable
- F Brandon Ingram (hip) questionable
Suns
- C Deandre Ayton (leg) questionable
- G Cameron Payne (hamstring) out
Pelicans at Suns odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Suns 111, Pelicans 103
Money line
PASS on the money line. Being without Williamson and perhaps Ingram, the Pelicans don’t have the firepower to take down last season’s Western Conference champs, so the potential upset isn’t really there.
However, as inconsistently as the Suns have played early in the season, it doesn’t make sense to risk as much money as it takes for a decent ML wager on them either.
Against the spread
The Pelicans are a respectable 4-3 ATS on the season, while the Suns have the worst record against the spread at 1-4 ATS.
The 11.5-point spread in tonight’s game is the largest the Pelicans have faced. They are 2-1 ATS on the road.
Phoenix has not yet covered the spread as the favorite yet this season. I do not anticipate the Suns losing to a shorthanded Pelicans team, but I also do not anticipate a blowout, as that has not been the Suns this season so far.
Take the PELICANS +11.5 (-112).
Over/Under
The Suns have had only one game this season go Over the projected total. The Pelicans are 2-4-1 O/U this season.
With Payne out for the Suns, they do not have the pace they usually run with the second unit. The Suns will limit the Pelicans and come away with an unconvincing win, but it will not be a high-scoring one.
Take UNDER 215.5 (-112).
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