The Suns look to maintain their two-point lead. The NBA has entered the Playoffs, and it will be interesting to see how the losers of the first few games respond from here on out. This is the intensity of the Playoffs, and we can expect some thrilling battles now and then. The Phoenix Suns finished first in the Western Conference and showed their mettle in the first game of the playoffs, defeating the Pels 110:99 as Chris Paul dropped 30 points and 10 assists. Can the New Orleans Pelicans match the might of the Phoenix Suns?
Can the Pelicans come up with a response?
In the previous game, the Pelicans shot just 38 percent from the field, with McCollum, Ingram, and Valanciunas all shooting below 40 percent. This is unsurprising given the Suns’ defensive style, which has only improved in the playoffs, and the Pelicans will have to work even harder. The Pelicans grabbed 25 offensive rebounds to the Suns’ five, with Jonas Valanciunas grabbing 15 of those rebounds. OKBET is a brand new sportsbook that has some of the most competitive sports bonuses and promotions around.
The Suns look to maintain their two-point lead. The Suns didn’t need offensive rebounds to make a statement, as they shot an incredible 54 percent. Ayton shot 10/15, Booker 8/19, and Chris Paul a whopping 75 percent. The Pelicans’ perimeter defense lacked grip in the previous game as the Suns got it going early, but it was the tight defense that only allowed 34 points in the first half, a slow start that means the Pels have to play catch-up.
Ingram and Valanciunas will need to up their game and become more efficient. Deandre Ayton is an excellent shot-blocker, and he dominated Valanciunas. Cameron Johnson, Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, Chris Paul, and Devin Booker are all excellent perimeter defenders. For the Pelicans, I believe Larry Nance should see more playing time, and I believe they can field a lineup of McCollum-Ingram-Jones-Murphy III-Nance with size, athleticism, and defense.
The Pelicans will need more from Ingram, who will need to score at least 25 points per game, while Jonas will need to be more efficient shooting-wise, but the bench will also need to step up. The Suns have excellent scoring balance, with one of Booker, Paul, Bridges, or Ayton always capable of putting up big numbers. The Pelicans will need to be more active on both ends if both Ingram and Valanciunas shoot low percentages.
Read more: Miami vs. Atlanta: The Hawks will attempt to improve.
Injuries
- Suns: Dario Saric is OUT;
- Pelicans: Zion Williamson and Kira Lewis Jr. are OUT.
Expert Betting Tips
Points Range: There is no mistrustfulness that utmost of the brigades scoring pars is down in the Playoffs which is to be anticipated in the Postseason- invested intensity. This doesn’t mean that brigades don’t stand a chance of calibrating 110 points. A burst of a run can propel similar high summations. In the case of the Pelicans and the Suns, the last game brought 209 points.
The Pelicans scored just 99 in the last game, and they scored just 34 in a half. They need further than against the high-intensity defense of the Suns. I believe that the Pelicans will come then with much further obnoxious effectiveness largely on the reverse of Ingram still. The Suns look to maintain their two-point lead. I see the Suns trading pails too. That’s why I believe the total points range then’s 210-220. OKBET is a friendly and welcoming community that aims to bring people, updates and information regarding the NBA.
Prediction: The Pelicans will need to start strong because the Suns are not a team that allows late fourth-quarter runs. Because the duo of Paul and Booker can suck away momentum and prevent the offense from becoming rusty, Herbert Jones, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Larry Nance Jr., and Trey Murphy will need to inject more perimeter defensive pressure. I see the Pels getting off to a good start, but the Suns closing them out and winning 112:107.
Betting Odds
- Exact Number of Points (3 Way): Total 211-230 for 2.25;
- Handicap 2 (+9.5) for 1.97;
- Player Props: Player Rebounds: Jonas Valanciunas Over 12.5 for 1.76.
