Pelicans vs. Suns Betting (Oct. 28): Back Suns to Remain Solid at Home

The 2022-23 NBA season continues on Friday, Oct. 28 with another slate of exciting matchups. One contest that is worth checking out is a collision between the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns.

"If you take off the faces….."

Monty Williams on similarities between Suns-#Pelicans with former #Suns lead assistant Willie Green as New Orleans head coach. pic.twitter.com/MuPn7pOxy8

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 27, 2022

The Pelicans have looked great to start the season and that run continued with a 113-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. Everybody got in on the action as eight of New Orleans’ nine players who touched the floor scored at least 11 points.

Meanwhile, the Suns look to extend their winning streak to three games after grabbing a 134-105 win against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday as well. Devin Booker was a man on a mission in defeat, scoring a game-high 34 points while shooting 52.6% from the floor.

There’s a lot to take in before Friday’s Pelicans vs Suns game. Fortunately, Betting News has gathered the game’s odds while also having a prediction and best bet for tonight’s contest.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: New Orleans Pelicans (3-1, 2-0 Away) vs. Phoenix Suns (3-1, 2-0 Home)
• Venue & Location: Footprint Center (Phoenix, Arizona)
• Date: Friday, Oct. 28, 2022
• Game Time: 10 p.m. Eastern Time
• Pelicans vs Suns Info: ESPN

Pelicans vs Suns Early Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline as of Friday, Oct. 28 at 8:03 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• New Orleans Pelicans +6.5 (-110)
• Phoenix Suns -6.5 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 226 Points (-110)
• Under 226 Points (-110)

Moneyline

• New Orleans Pelicans +198
• Phoenix Suns -240

New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns Betting Trends

• New Orleans is 3-8 straight up in its last 11 games against Phoenix.
• Phoenix is 6-1 straight up in its last seven home games.
• New Orleans is 4-2 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games.
• Phoenix is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games against New Orleans.
• The total has hit the under in each of five of New Orleans’ last six road games against Phoenix.
• The total has hit the under in six of Phoenix’s last nine games.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns Prediction and Picks

Pelicans vs Suns Prediction: Suns 117, Pelicans 108

Pelicans vs Suns Picks: Suns -6.5 (Best Value: -110 at BetOnline) & Under 226 Points (Best Value: -110 at BetOnline)

The Pelicans have been one of the better stories in the NBA this season. After years of mediocrity, the team finally looks like they’re ready to step up and be a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.

Both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram have looked great, averaging 22 points apiece. CJ McCollum has also been solid with his 21 points and team-high 7.8 assists per game, while Jonas Valanciunas has been averaging a 16-point, 11.5-rebound double-double to begin the year.

The Pelicans’ star players stepping up has led to them being one of the best offense teams in the league. Their 122.0 PPG clip ranks third-best in the NBA, only trailing the Charlotte Hornets (124.5) and New York Knicks (122.8).

Having said that, New Orleans will be shorthanded on Friday. Ingram has already been ruled out of the contest with a concussion, while the likes of McCollum (hand), Williamson (hip/back) and Herb Jones (knee) are all questionable for the Pelicans vs Suns matchup.

Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, Dyson Daniels and CJ McCollum are all questionable for tomorrow’s game against Phoenix.

Alvarado – low back spasms
Dyson – left ankle sprain
CJ – right third PIP (finger) sprain pic.twitter.com/ZOjU55JOyj

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) October 27, 2022

Besides, the Pelicans haven’t faced a team as defensively talented as the Suns just yet. Phoenix allows the third-fewest points (104.5) in the Association this season and just held the high-scoring Warriors to 105 points a few nights ago.

Furthermore, the Suns only allow 44.5 points in the paint per game, ranking 10th-best. This could be an issue for a Pelicans team that does most of their damage down low, averaging 61 PITP per game (second-best).

Even if the Pelicans lead the league with a 49.9% team field goal percentage, the Suns have enough defenders to throw their opponents off their game. After all, there’s a reason why Phoenix has the second-best defensive rating in the entire NBA.

It’s also worth pointing out that the Suns have won eight of their last 11 games against the Pelicans. Four of those wins came when Phoenix eliminated New Orleans in six games during the 2021-22 playoffs, but the fact remains that the former has also won four of the last five regular-season meetings.

At the end of the day, I’m backing the Suns to win, covering the spread in the process. Phoenix is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games against New Orleans and with the latter’s injury situation, I think the Pelicans might have some issues keeping things close.

The total has also hit the under in five of the last six Pelicans vs Suns meetings in Phoenix, so I’m backing the under. It also helps that the Suns have one of the NBA’s best defenses, while the Pelicans own the 10th-best road scoring defense.