Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans: Prediction and Betting Tips | April 1, 2024 

On Monday, the Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans will meet once again in a crucial Western Conference game. This will be their second meeting this year, with the Suns emerging victorious in their previous clash on Jan. 19 with a score of 123-109. With both teams vying for a fifth or sixth seed, this game holds significant importance at this point in the season.

The Suns are currently ranked eighth with a record of 42-31, just behind the sixth-ranked Pelicans who have a record of 45-29. The two teams are separated by only two games, and there is a possibility that they could both end the season with the same record. This makes it crucial for both teams to win the season series, and Phoenix has the opportunity to do so if they are victorious in Monday’s game.

Preview and Betting Tips for Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Odds and Prediction

The money line for the Suns is -115, while the Pelicans have a money line of -105.

Total (over/under): Suns over 225 (-111), Pelicans under 225 (-111)

The Battle of the Sun and Pelicans: A Preview of the Phoenix-New Orleans Matchup

The Suns’ current streaky performance has them entering this game with two wins and losses in their last four matches. Despite having a star-studded roster, inconsistent defensive focus and struggles with late-game offense have continued to plague Frank Vogel’s team. As they struggle to find a sustainable solution, their chances of securing a top-six seed are in jeopardy.

Despite being almost a month since March, the Suns continue to struggle, posting a record of 8-7. Their offensive performance has remained consistent, ranking 12th with an efficiency of 115.8, while their defense has also maintained its ranking at 19th with a rating of 114.6. In the fourth quarter, the Suns’ offense remains in the bottom three, while their defense has dropped to 23rd.

Despite their identical record to the Suns in their past four games, the Pelicans have appeared to be the stronger team. However, their recent losses to the Thunder and Celtics, while Brandon Ingram was absent, were challenging matchups.

Since March, New Orleans has recorded a 10-4 record, with their offense ranking 13th at 115.7 and their defense ranking third with a 107.2 rating. In their upcoming game against the Suns, they will utilize their length and size on the perimeter to defend against the Suns’ formidable offensive trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.

Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics: Starting lineups, subs and rotations

Golden State Warriors starting lineup

The starting lineup consists of Devin Booker as the point guard, Bradley Beal as the shooting guard, Grayson Allen as the small forward, Kevin Durant as the power forward, and Jusuf Nurkic as the center.

Despite being plagued by injuries throughout the season, the Suns are now close to full health. The only player currently listed on the injury report is Damion Lee, who has been a mainstay. As the playoffs approach and seeding becomes crucial, there may be a shift towards tighter rotations. It is expected that Eric Gordon, Josh Okogie, Royce O’Neale, and Drew Eubanks will see the majority of playing time coming off the bench.

CJ McCollum will play the position of PG, Trey Murphy III will play SG, Herbert Jones will play SF, Zion Williamson will play PF, and Jonas Valanciunas will play C.

Despite the absence of Brandon Ingram and Jose Alvarado, the Pelicans will continue to play with Dyson Daniels potentially receiving extensive playing time alongside Naji Marshall and Larry Nance Jr.

Expert Betting Tips for Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson has scored a total of 26.5 points and is expected to surpass this number, having achieved this feat in his last four consecutive games.

In the upcoming game, Devin Booker is expected to score 25.5 points and is favored to exceed this total. Despite scoring less than 20 points in his previous game, it is likely that he will make a strong comeback.

Kevin Durant has scored more than 24.5 points in total. In his past three games, he has achieved a minimum of 26 points, indicating that he is likely to continue this momentum and replicate his performance on Monday.

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Matchup Analysis and Prediction

Despite the Phoenix Suns being slightly favored with a -115 money line, the New Orleans Pelicans are expected to cover the spread in what is predicted to be a closely contested game.

The Pelicans have the defensive depth to cause problems for the Suns’ offense from the start. If the game is close, New Orleans may have an advantage with homecourt advantage, and the Suns could face difficulties in the final quarter.