The Phoenix Suns (18-61) welcome the New Orleans Pelicans (32-47) to Talking Stick Resort Arena to begin Western Conference play. The game will air on Fox Arizona Plus at 10 p.m. ET on Friday, April 5, 2019.
New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns Betting Odds
Both teams failed to cover as underdogs in their last game. The Suns (10.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Utah Jazz, 118-97, while the Pelicans (4.5-point underdogs) fell to the Charlotte Hornets, 115-109. The Phoenix game went 4.5 points under the projected point total of 219.5, while the New Orleans game finished 7 points under the projected point total of 231.
New Orleans had a better effective field goal percentage (0.559 vs. 0.489) while Phoenix forced Utah into a turnover percentage of 19.1 (above their season average of 13.1). Phoenix was lifted by Richaun Holmes, who recorded 16 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Julius Randle fueled New Orleans with 34 points and 11 rebounds.
In the season series between these two teams, the Pelicans lead two games to one. The two teams combined to score 274 points in their most recent game, which was well over the projected point total of 235. New Orleans lost 138-136 but was unable to cover as a 5-point favorite. Phoenix’s effective field goal percentage was its largest advantage over New Orleans. The Suns had a rate of 0.555 while the Pelicans posted a mark of 0.534. Devin Booker recorded a double-double with 40 points and 13 assists.
Pelicans games have finished over the total 53.2 percent of the time. New Orleans heads into the contest with records of 32-47 straight up (SU) and 36-42-1 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Suns’ 79 games, 44 have finished under the projected point total. Further, Phoenix owns records of 18-61 SU and 35-44 ATS.
It could be a sloppy game for the New Orleans offense. New Orleans ranks 23rd in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 13.7 percent), while the gambling defense of Phoenix forces the fourth-most turnovers in the league (14.7 percent).
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Suns, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Pelicans average 14.9 fast break points per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. The Suns rank 26th in fast break points allowed per game (15.8).
- New Orleans ranks first in points in the paint per game (58.2) while Phoenix ranks last in points allowed in the paint per game (53.1).
- The Pelicans rank fifth in rebounds per game (47.2) while the Suns rank 29th (40.3).
- Phoenix ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (29.5) while New Orleans ranks 26th (33.7).
- New Orleans ranks third in assists per game (27.0) while Phoenix ranks 25th in assists allowed per game (25.8).
- The Suns average 8.9 steals per game, which ranks second in the league. The Pelicans rank 27th in steals allowed per game (8.5).
- The Suns average 18.2 points off turnovers per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. The Pelicans rank 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.1).
- Phoenix ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.1) while New Orleans ranks 23rd in blocks allowed per game (5.4).
- New Orleans averages 14.3 second chance points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Phoenix ranks last in second chance points allowed per game (15.3).
- In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, New Orleans is 5-2 and Phoenix is 5-1.
- When reaching 100 points, the Pelicans are 32-39 and the Suns are 17-39.
- New Orleans is 19-19-1 ATS on the road, while Phoenix is 17-23 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 22 of the Pelicans’ 39 road games, while 24 of the Suns’ 40 home games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, New Orleans and Phoenix are both 1-4 ATS.
- The Pelicans have 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games, while the Suns have 4 overs and 1 under
- The Pelicans’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.8, up from 1.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Suns have scored an average of 109.4 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 120.0 points per game (3.7 above their season average).
