Eighth-seeded New Orleans Pelicans (2-3) tries to stop Thursday’s defeat when hosting first-seeded Phoenix Suns (3-2) in Game 6 of the first-round series of the Western Conference. Tipping off at the Smoothie King Center is scheduled for 7:30 pm. ET (TNT). Below, you’ll see the odds and lines of Pelican vs. Sands and meet expert NBA picks, forecasts, and bets.
Phoenix grabbed control of the series with a 112-97 victory in Game 5 on Tuesday, owing to outstanding efforts by SF Mikal Bridges and All-Star PG Chris Paul. Bridges had a game-high 31 points on 70.6 percent shooting (4-for-4 from three), while CP3 had 22 points, a game-high 11 assists, and just one turnover.
Suns at Pelicans odds and lines
The odds are provided by OKBET Sportsbook for a complete list. Lines were last updated at 1:32 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Suns -140 (bet 140 to win 100) | Pelicans +115 (bet 100 to win 115)
- Against the spread: Suns -2.5 (-108) | Pelicans +2.5 (-112)
- Over/Under: 213.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Suns at Pelicans key injuries
Suns
- SG Devin Booker (hamstring) out
Pelicans
- None
Suns at Pelicans picks and predictions
Prediction
Pelicans 106, Suns 101
Money line
LEAN PELICANS (+115) because I think they’ll win, but I like the spread since I’ll take whatever points I can get with NOLA.
The Pelicans are much stronger in two of the four series variables (rebounding and free-throw attempt rates), and NOLA’s role players should step up in Game 6 at home.
Furthermore, OKBET Sportsbook’s betting splits show that the experts are rooting for the Pelicans, while the general population is rooting for the Suns. Approximately 90% of bets are put on Phoenix, while roughly 60% of the cash is on NOLA.
Again, it’s just a LEAN to the PELICANS (+115) since NOLA’s spread is a more aggressive bet.
Read more: Suns vs Pelicans: 2022 NBA playoff selections, Game 5 best bets from the model on 86-58 run
Against the spread
Based on the preceding research, BET the PELICANS +2.5 (-112) instead of or heavier than their ML. And there is a reversal line movement heading towards NOLA in the betting market.
According to OKBET.com, more than 80% of the money is on the Suns -2.5 (-108) but the Pelicans are the more expensive side, with NOLA as low as +2 at certain bookmakers.
The longer this series continues, the more I think the Pelicans will win. NOLA is healthier and more aggressive when it comes to shattering the glass and attacking the paint.
Phoenix is too reliant on mid-range jumpers and CP3 brilliance. If the Suns’ shooters go cold or Paul plays poorly, the Pelicans should easily defeat the Suns, as they did in Game 4.
For the record, my favorite bet in this game is the PELICANS +2.5 (-112).
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 213.5 (-110), as a defense will be stepped up in this elimination game, and this is the third-slowest-paced series in the first round.
However, it is just a “lean” since three of the first five games of this series went over the total, and the Suns-Pelicans have the second-worst combined defensive rating of any first-round series.
