Free NBA Pick: Pelicans vs. Suns NBA Odds
Looking for New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Pelicans taking on the Suns on Tuesday, April 26th, 2022 at the Footprint Center. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Pelicans Suns matchup.
2022 NBA Playoffs Handicapping Round 1
(2-2) New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns (2-2)
Date: Tuesday, April 26th
Time: 10:00 PM EST
Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ.
NBA Moneyline Odds: Pelicans +222 | Suns -239 (Bet Now!)
NBA Betting Odds: Suns -6.5
NBA Betting Total: 215.5
The eighth-seeded New Orleans Pelicans and top-seeded Phoenix Suns tips off on Tuesday, April 26th in Game 5, the most pivotal match of the series. The teams are all tied up after the Pelicans shocked Phoenix by routing them 118-193 in Game 4.
The Suns hold the advantage all-time winning 36 of the 68 matches versus the Pelicans and this is the first time the teams will meet in the postseason.
New Orleans Pelicans
The coincidences between where the Suns were a few seasons back and where the Pelicans are now are uncanny. The most obvious ties are between the head coaches Willie Green of the Pelicans and Monty Williams of the Suns.
When Williams took over and built an identity and culture the Suns experienced an expedited ascent up the ladder. The Pelicans under Green’s leadership are on a similar path.
While it seemed like GM David Griffin was doing a questionable job based on how he handled the Zion Williamson situation he’s rebounded dramatically with trades and quality draft picks.
CJ McCollum was the most significant of the trades and consequently, he’s the current NBPA president and the person he replaced – – Chris Paul.
Although he may not have the same resume as CP3 or be as well known as a leader his presence both in the locker room and on the court is having a palpable effect
Another commonality is the quality draft picks although the Pelicans’ highest pick under Griffin remains sidelined (Zion Williamson) rookies Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, and Trey Murphy III are all gaining invaluable postseason experience and contributing in those minutes.
Although Brandon Ingram, McCollum, and Jonas Valanciunas may be providing the big stats, that trio of rookies is making a difference with Jones and Alvarado specifically being x-factors in the Game 4 victory.
Williamson (foot) is out indefinitely. Kira Lewis Jr. (ACL) is lost for the season.
Phoenix Suns
Without Devin Booker the pressure on Chris Paul to do more is obvious. During the season the Suns could play without a star or member of the core here and there but in the playoffs, it’s a different story.
Factor in the length, athleticism, and overall youthful exuberance of the Pelicans and they may very well have been the worst matchup for the Suns of all the possibilities.
Paul has put on some stellar performances in this series but in Game 4 he was held to four points (2 of 8) and dished 11 dimes. There hasn’t been any notification of an injury but the way he was moving on the court Sunday begged the question of that possibility.
Like many postseason teams (and players) the inconsistent whistle became a talking point in the post-game media. In fairness, Williams didn’t blame the loss on free throws but he was quick to cite the 42 to 15 free throw attempt disparity.
Booker (hamstring) is out indefinitely. Dario Saric (knee) remains out with no definitive return date.
NBA Betting Trends:
- New Orleans is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games.
- Phoenix is 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games when playing as the favorite.
- The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Orleans’ last 11 games on the road.
- The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Phoenix’s last 12 games.
- The Pelicans are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games as a road underdog.
- The Suns are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games playing on 1 day’s rest.
Free New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns NBA Prediction:
The Pels have already won once on the road in this series and will need to do it again to win the series.
New Orleans is using their length and athleticism to its advantage winning the glass battle in all four matches. In Game 4, New Orleans outrebounded the Suns (48-39) including grabbing 19 offensive rebounds.
The Suns who are already down Booker will be keen to get the series back in their favor.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Suns ATS
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