The New Orleans Pelicans (3-1) play the first of 3 consecutive games on the road against the Phoenix Suns (3-1) Friday night. Tip-off is 10 p.m. ET at Footprint Center in Phoenix (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Pelicans vs. Suns odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Pelicans have started the season well, winning 3 of 4 games. They are coming off a 113-111 home win over the Dallas Mavericks. They were 7.5-point underdogs. Three players — G C.J. McCollum, F Brandon Ingram and F Zion Williamson — are all averaging more than 20 points per game.
The Suns are off to a 3-1 start to the season. They blew out the Golden State Warriors at home 134-109 Tuesday night. G Devin Booker is averaging 32.5 points per game so far this season, shooting 53% from the field and 48% from 3-point range.
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Pelicans at Suns odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:10 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pelicans +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Suns -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +7.5 (-117) | Suns -7.5 (-103)
- Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Pelicans at Suns key injuries
Pelicans
- F Brandon Ingram (concussion) out
- F Herbert Jones (knee) questionable
- G C.J. McCollum (hand) questionable
- F Zion Williamson (back, hip) questionable
Suns
- F Jae Crowder (not with team) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Pelicans at Suns picks and predictions
Prediction
Suns 121, Pelicans 111
Moneyline
After an overtime loss to the Trail Blazers, the Suns have dismantled their last 2 opponents — the Clippers and Warriors, both considered top teams in the league.
Booker is playing the best ball of his career, and G Chris Paul appears to have shaken off his early season rust.
The Suns are 3rd in points allowed and 3rd in defensive rating. The Pelicans are No. 3 in scoring and No. 2 in offensive rating. The problem is that the Suns are also No. 7 in offensive rating. They do both well.
The Suns should win, but PASS on the moneyline. The spread is a better play.
Against the spread
The Suns are 2-2 ATS but have won their last 2 games by 17 and 19 points.
The Pelicans are 3-1 ATS, and their only loss was by only 1 point.
But with one of their stars out, and both McCollum and Williamson questionable, a healthy Suns squad should pull away from the Pelicans late.
BET SUNS -7.5 (-103).
Over/Under
The Suns’ only game to have a total of 225 or more was their last one against the Warriors.
The Pelicans’ lowest total this season has been 224 points. They have scored no fewer than 113 points in a game this season.
BET OVER 223.5 (-112).
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