NBA Matchup: Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Date: January 4, 2022
Time: 8:00 P.M. ET
The Phoenix Suns look to ascend to the top of the western conference as they take on the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. In their last game, the Suns defeated the Pelicans 112-100 led by Mikal Bridges’ 22 points and Devin Booker’s 18 points.
Phoenix Suns season so far
The Phoenix Suns are playing well at the moment and they’ve won two of their last three games. They will try to keep the momentum going with a win over the Pelicans, which will give them their second win in a row and third win in their last four games. Phoenix is averaging 112.3 points per game. They scored 133 points in their last game, making 50.5 percent of their field goals and 41.5 percent of their three-pointers. Phoenix has also played well defensively, giving up 104.8 points per game.
Devin Booker led the way for the Suns with 24 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. Booker has averaged 23.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Jalen Smith finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Landry Shamet added 17 points, three assists, and four steals.
New Orleans Pelicans season so far
The Pelicans followed up their win over Cleveland with a loss to Milwaukee in their last game. New Orleans is averaging 105.3 points per game. They scored 113 points in their last game, making 41.1 percent of their field goals and 31.4 percent of their three-pointers. New Orleans has struggled defensively, giving up 110.2 points per game. They gave up 136 points in their last game and will need a significantly better effort if they want to win this game.
For the Pelicans, the work of Jonas Valanciunas stands out. The 29-year-old is one of the team’s best scorers on the season with an average of 18.5 points per game, achieved in 33 games played, where he averages 31.5 minutes played per game.
Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans Match Prediction
The New Orleans Pelicans lost two of their last three games and their defense has been atrocious, with the team giving up 119 points per game during the stretch. They will be without their star player Brandon Ingram who is dealing with an Achilles injury. They are also playing on consecutive nights and will face a Phoenix team that has been on roll offensively, scoring more than 118 points per game in their last three games while making 46 percent of their shots. The Suns have been great defensively and play just as well on the road, holding opponents to 43 percent shooting from the field and forcing turnovers, with the team averaging more than 10 steals per game on the road. Hence, the Phoenix Suns will win this game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Injury Report
New Orleans Pelicans
Brandon Ingram – Achilles – Game Time Decision
Jonas Valanciunas – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 6
Zion Williamson – Foot – Expected to be out until at least Jan 31
Kira Lewis Jr. – Knee – Out for the season
Phoenix Suns
Abdel Nader – Knee – Expected to be out until at least Jan 4
Deandre Ayton – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
Jae Crowder – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
JaVale McGee – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 6
Frank Kaminsky – Knee – Expected to be out until at least Jan 10
Dario Saric – Knee – Expected to be out until at least Apr 1
How to watch Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans?
The Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans game will be locally broadcast on Ball Sports New Orleans. The game will also be available on the NBA’s League Pass platform.
Also read: NBA Injury Update: When Will Anthony Davis Return From MCL Sprain?