Underachieving Western Conference teams will face off in Tuesday’s penultimate NBA matchup. The New Orleans Pelicans (1-6) will visit the Phoenix Suns (2-3). Phoenix has only won one home game this year and could secure a second against the one-win Pelicans. While New Orleans is a significant underdog, it has put together a strong record against the spread ahead of Tuesday. Deandre Ayton (leg) is questionable for Phoenix, while Devonte’ Graham (adductor) is probable and Brandon Ingram (hip) is doubtful for New Orleans.
Tip-off at the Footprint Center is set for 10 p.m. ET. Caesars Sportsbook lists Phoenix as an 11-point favorite, while the over-under for total points is set at 215 in the latest Pelicans vs. Suns odds. Before making any Suns vs. Pelicans picks, be sure to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned almost $9,000 in profit on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model finished up almost $600 on its top-rated picks last season and enters Week 3 of the 2021-22 NBA season on a stunning 106-71 roll on top-rated NBA picks against the spread. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Suns vs. Pelicans and revealed its coveted picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine to see all of the model’s NBA picks. Here are several NBA odds and trends for Pelicans vs. Suns:
- Pelicans vs. Suns spread: Suns -11
- Pelicans vs. Suns over-under: 215 points
- Pelicans vs. Suns money line: Suns -700, Pelicans +475
- NOP: The Pelicans are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games
- PHX: The total has gone over in six of the Suns’ previous seven games against the Pelicans
Featured Game | Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Why the Pelicans can cover
New Orleans is 4-3 against the spread this season and could benefit from playing a Suns team that’s fallen short of expectations at home. Phoenix has one win at the Footprint Center and is 0-3 against the spread there. The Suns could need to put together their best home performance of the year to cover as double-digit favorites.
The Pelicans haven’t been at their best without Zion Williamson (foot), but they still have plenty of weapons on offense. Ingram, if he’s able to play, remains a reliable scorer and is averaging 25 points per game. He’s gotten plenty of support from his new teammates. Jonas Valanciunas has been a valuable addition as a scorer and rebounder. He’s racked up four straight double-doubles and is second to only Jakob Poeltl in offensive rebounds. If the Pelicans’ role players show up, they could avoid their third double-digit loss of the season. They’ve lost their last three games by six points or fewer.
Why the Suns can cover
The Suns are just 1-4 against the spread overall but have all the pieces to be successful. Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, and Ayton are running it back after making a run the last year’s finals. They have plenty of chemistry and have proven to be elite together on both sides of the ball when firing on all cylinders. The Pelicans roster isn’t nearly as reliable.
The Pelicans’ backcourt took a hit defensively following the departure of Lonzo Ball, and their new guard pairing has struggled to get stops. Paul and Booker could have a major advantage. The Suns also have a stronger bench thanks to Cameron Johnson, JaVale McGee, and Elfrid Payton. New Orleans’ youth hasn’t proved to be reliable off the pine, and producing on the road could prove to be difficult for them.
How to make Pelicans vs. Suns picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 217 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in well over 50 percent of simulations. You can only see the model’s picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Suns vs. Pelicans? And which side of the spread hits in well over 50 percent of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
