The New Orleans Pelicans (44-34) and the Phoenix Suns (20-59), who both like to play fast, will face off at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, April 6, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – New Orleans.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 220 points with New Orleans opening as a 10.5-point favorite.
New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns Free Prediction
The Pelicans come in on a high note after dismantling the Memphis Grizzlies in their last contest, 123-95. The Pelicans made 17 of their 19 free throws (89.5 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.616 (above their season average of 0.538). Anthony Davis played a pivotal role for New Orleans with 28 points and 12 rebounds.
The last time the Suns played, they barely escaped the Sacramento Kings, 97-94. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Phoenix’s biggest advantages. They made 33 trips to the line, 10 more than Sacramento. With 17 points and 15 rebounds, Alex Len put together a solid outing for Phoenix.
There could be plenty of transition action in this contest that showcases a pair of the NBA’s more up-tempo teams. Phoenix ranks third in possessions per game (102.4) and New Orleans is second (103.2). Moreover, the sweet-shooting offense of the Pelicans ranks fourth in effective field goal percentage (0.539), while the Suns are seventh-worst in the league at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.533).
New Orleans heads into the game with records of 44-34 straight up (SU) and 41-36-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to place the total low when the Pelicans are involved, as 57.7 percent of their games have finished over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Phoenix is 20-59 SU and 36-41-2 ATS. In opposition of New Orleans, a little over half of Suns games have finished under the total.
Several players have played at a high level over the last five games for Phoenix. Averaging 21.6 points, 3.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game, Josh Jackson has led the way. Tyler Ulis (16.8 points and 6.6 assists) and Marquese Chriss (13.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals) have also been exceptional.
The Pelicans have emerged victorious in both matchups against the Suns this year, including a 125-116 victory in their last matchup. New Orleans covered as a 7-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 241 points, which was just 4.5 points above the projected point total of 236.5 points. One of New Orleans’ largest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They had 40 free throw attempts, while Phoenix had 32. Davis put up a double-double in the victory with 53 points and 18 rebounds.
New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns Pick
NBA Tip: SU Winner – Pelicans, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, New Orleans is 23-15 ATS with 20 unders and 18 overs.
Phoenix is 14-24-1 ATS at home with 20 unders, 18 overs and 1 push.
Phoenix is 7-2 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while New Orleans is 11-2.
The Pelicans are 41-22 when they reach the century mark, while the Suns are 15-34.
New Orleans ranks third in blocks per game (5.9) while Phoenix ranks 29th in blocks allowed per game (6.0).
The Pelicans rank third in assists per game (26.4) while the Suns rank 29th (21.1).
New Orleans averages 15.0 fast break points per game, which ranks fourth in the league. Phoenix ranks 29th in fast break points allowed per game (14.7).
The Pelicans rank second in points in the paint per game (51.9) while the Suns rank 24th in points allowed in the paint per game (47.1).
New Orleans ranks 10th in steals per game (7.8) while Phoenix ranks 27th in steals allowed per game (8.7).
The Suns average 13.0 second chance points per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. The Pelicans rank 29th in second chance points allowed per game (13.7).
New Orleans ranks 11th in rebounds per game (44.2) while Phoenix ranks 28th in rebounds allowed per game (45.9).
The Pelicans rank 20th in points off turnovers per game (16.0) while the Suns rank 29th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.8).
Phoenix ranks 20th in three pointers attempted per game (27.7) while New Orleans ranks 24th in three pointers allowed per game (30.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, New Orleans is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Phoenix is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Pelicans have been outscored by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. On the season, New Orleans has defeated opponents by an average of 0.6 points.
During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 100.0 points per game (3.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 105.6 points per game (7.7 below their season average).
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