The Phoenix Suns host the New Orleans Pelicans once again for Game 2 of the first-round Western Conference NBA Playoffs. Both teams are complete polar opposites, and this means the Suns could have an easy first round.
The Pelicans are going to try everything they can to stay in contention, but it might not be enough. We should be in for an exciting NBA match! Check out how the Suns are continuing their dominance.
Date: 9:00 PM CT April 19, 2022
Venue: Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ
Coverage: TNT
Phoenix Suns (1-0)
The Suns took care of business at home against the Pelicans the other night, finishing the game 110-99. The Suns had the best record in the league entering the playoffs, so they are the favorites to win the NBA Championship outright.
On the season, they are averaging 114.8 points per game and allowing 107.3. Even though they didn’t hit their usual offensive mark, they greatly held the Pelicans under their defensive mark.
The Suns are the best shooting team in the league when looking at field goal percentage. When it comes to three-point percentage, they rank ninth at 36.4 percentage.
With leadership from Chris Paul and standout scorer Devin Booker, the Suns have weapons everywhere you look. The team is on pace for another NBA Finals, and there is nothing the Pelicans can do.
New Orleans Pelicans (0-1)
The Pelicans barely got the opportunity to play the Suns for the first round, as they are the worst team to join the playoffs this season. After winning back-to-back play-in games, they earned the spot to face the best team in the league.
They are averaging 109.3 points per game and allowing 110.3. This will simply not get it done in a seven-game series against the Suns, but you can see how the first game was worse than the averages.
Since acquiring CJ McCollum around the All-Star break, the Pelicans went 15-10 straight up, and their season actually looked decent. In their first game against the Suns, he had 25 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
If the Pelicans want to do anything against the Suns, they will have to slow the pace down, have a better supporting cast, and allow McCollum to go off.
Odds for Pelicans at Suns
The market has generally favored the Suns to win, and for a good reason. On average, the point spread and the moneyline have been:
Suns: -9.5 (-110) and -550 to win
Pelicans: +9.5 (-110) and +430 to win
*odds could change at any time
Potential Winning Pick
The Suns will likely take this series in a four-game sweep. Both teams’ mindsets are completely different, as the Suns are determined to win the Championship this year.
For this game, the Suns will likely cover the spread again and, of course, win. You could potentially use their win as a parlay piece since the moneyline odds are a bit high.
For more NBA betting picks and previews, check out our picks page.