Three straight losses have knocked the Phoenix Suns from the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference down to the No. 4 spot behind the New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets.
Phoenix has a rematch with New Orleans on Sunday, after Friday night’s game ended with the Suns confronting Zion Williamson after a questionable decision to throw down a flashy dunk instead of running out the clock.
The Suns weren’t happy with Zion’s windmill dunk at the end of the game 😯 pic.twitter.com/N2NyLb2q9b
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 10, 2022
The Pelicans now have the No. 1 spot in the West, winning their last six games heading into Sunday’s matchup.
Devin Booker’s status (hamstring, questionable) could move the line in this game, although the Pels are once again without Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones due to injury.
Can Phoenix get back on track with a much-needed win on Sunday?
Here’s a look at the latest odds and a pick for this matchup:
Suns vs. Pelicans Odds, Spread and Total
Suns vs. Pelicans Prediction and Pick
Both of these teams are in the top six in the NBA in offensive rating this season, but the Suns would take a major hit if Booker is unable to go in this game.
Phoenix was able to compete in Friday’s matchup, but the Pelicans dominated at the free-throw line, making 28 of their 35 attempts. Phoenix attempted just 13 free throws in the loss.
The other concern for the Suns, even if Booker goes, is that the team lost on Friday despite making 22-of-44 shots from beyond the arc. That’s an incredible shooting night, and it’s unlikely the Suns can repeat that performance on Sunday.
On the defensive side of things, the Pels have the advantage this season, ranking third in the NBA in defensive rating compared to Phoenix, who ranks 10th.
The Pelicans are 5-5 against the spread as home favorites this season, but they are winning those games by an average margin of 10.5 points.
As good as the Suns have been this season, they are too volatile to trust in this spot with Booker’s status in question.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.