Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns
When: Thursday, Dec. 5, 8:00 p.m ET
Where: Smoothie King Center
How to watch: Fox Sports New Orleans
With Aron Baynes and Deandre Ayton sidelined, the Phoenix Suns (9-11) have cooled off from their hot start and are one of five teams on the playoff bubble in the Western Conference.They’ll look to get a break in New Orleans on Thursday against a New Orleans Pelicans team that has lost their last six games and is 6-15 on the season.
The Pelicans will have other plans.
With most of the Pelicans’ rotation players returning to full health — sans Zion Williamson, who is still a few weeks away — they’re in prime position to upset Devin Booker and the Suns in New Orleans. However, in order for them to do that, their guard tandem of Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday has to live up to its reputation on the defensive end. Unfortunately, they haven’t done that on a consistent basis this season.
In 11 appearances together, the two-man lineup of Ball and Holiday have posted a defensive rating of 119.4 and a net rating of -15.5. It’s safe to say Pelicans executive of basketball operations David Griffin wasn’t expecting that when he acquired Ball in July.
The Pelicans will also be looking for more out of Ball offensively. Through 13 games, Ball has averaged 10.9 points per game on 37.3% shooting from the field, including 34.1% shooting from behind the arc. Remarkably, the former isn’t a career-low.
The Pelicans probably have enough offensive fire power with Brandon Ingram to punish the Suns’ small front court, but some insurance from their guards would be nice.
Tip-off is at 8 p.m. ET.