8 p.m. ET – Phoenix (-4) at New Orleans O/U: 230½
| Teams | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns | -4 (-105) | -170 | O 230½ (-110) |
| New Orleans Pelicans | +4 (-115) | +140 | U 230½ (-110) |
The 17-10 Suns head east to take on the 12-16 Pelicans inside the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Friday night. The Suns’ six-game winning streak was snapped at home Tuesday night against the Nets after being outscored by 16 in the fourth quarter of a game they lost 128-124. The Pelicans lost at home Wednesday night to the Blazers, 126-124. These two teams have met twice this season, splitting those matchups. The first game was played in Phoenix, where the Suns won by 25 points, and the second game was played in New Orleans, where the Pelicans won by 22 points.
Phoenix is led as always by guard Devin Booker, who is averaging 24.4 points per game, But arguably the main reasons for the team’s recent success and overall competitiveness this season has been the emergence of former No.1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton and the offseason addition of veteran point guard Chris Paul. Ayton has averaged a double-double this season and ranks fourth in the NBA in rebounds per game with 12.2. Paul has turned the Phoenix backcourt into a two-headed monster, allowing Booker to work off the ball in ways he could not before the season. Paul ranks seventh in the league with 8.2 assists per game.
New Orleans remains one of the most entertaining teams in the NBA, mostly because of sophomore phenom Zion Williamson. Williamson is building on a fantastic rookie campaign with an even better second season, averaging 25 points per game. Brandon Ingram has excelled as Zion’s running mate, averaging 23.6 points per game, making the Pelicans’ frontcourt one of the best in the league. Ingram poses a major matchup threat for Phoenix, making his player prop of 24 points worth a bet.
*Odds courtesy of MyBookie
