Pelicans vs. Suns Prediction, Best Bets & Props for Game 5

This series was supposed to be a relatively simple one for the 2021-22 NBA regular-season champion Phoenix Suns. Instead, the New Orleans Pelicans have given them trouble as the series is now tied, 2-2, ahead of Game 5 on Tuesday, April 26.

The Suns haven’t looked the same since Devin Booker suffered an injury in Game 2. Both games they’ve lost to the Pelicans were by double-digit deficits, meaning a return to the Footprint Center could be what Phoenix needs to get back on track.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans have been playing on another level lately, especially due to Brandon Ingram stepping up his game. If the team is to take the shocking 3-2 lead, they’re going to need Ingram and co. to continue doing what they’re doing.

Will the Suns get back in the driver’s seat with a home victory? Or will the Pelicans move one step closer to shocking the world and advancing to Round 2?

#8 New Orleans Pelicans vs. #1 Phoenix Suns Game 5 Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Game Matchup: #8 New Orleans Pelicans (36-46, #8 seed in the Western Conference) vs. #1 Phoenix Suns (64-18, #1 seed in the Western Conference)
• Venue & Location: Footprint Center (Phoenix, Arizona)
• Date: Tuesday, April 26, 2022
• Time: 10 p.m. ET
• How to Watch Pelicans vs. Suns Game 5: TNT

Pelicans vs. Suns Game 5 Betting Odds

Odds are via our top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks.

BetOnline Sportsbook

• Spread: New Orleans Pelicans +6 (-110), Phoenix Suns -6 (-110)
• Total: OVER 215 (-110), UNDER 215 (-110)
• Moneyline: New Orleans Pelicans +210, Phoenix Suns -255

Bovada Sportsbook

• Spread: New Orleans Pelicans +6.5 (-110), Phoenix Suns -6.5 (-110)
• Total: OVER 215.5 (-110), UNDER 215.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: New Orleans Pelicans +220, Phoenix Suns -270

BetUS

• Spread: New Orleans Pelicans +6.5 (-110), Phoenix Suns -6.5 (-110)
• Total: OVER 215.5 (-110), UNDER 215.5 (-112)
• Moneyline: New Orleans Pelicans +205, Phoenix Suns -250

Pelicans Look to Build Off Game 4 Momentum

The Pelicans didn’t just defeat the Suns in Game 4; they blew them out by a score of 118-103. With how “easy” this series was supposed to be, New Orleans has certainly forced a lot of doubters to eat crow.

As mentioned before, Brandon Ingram’s play has been integral to the Pelicans’ success. After finishing with 18 points in Game 1, he’s averaged 33.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists in the subsequent three contests.

Ingram has finished with at least 30 points and 11 field goals made in each of those last three games, finally looking like he’s ready to take his game to the next level.

? BRANDON INGRAM ROCKS THE RIM!#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel on TNT pic.twitter.com/Un9TkTwAv2

— NBA (@NBA) April 25, 2022

It’s also important to highlight how well Jonas Valanciunas played in Game 4 as well. The veteran center shot .600 from the field en route to 26 points, also finishing with 15 assists for his third double-double of the series.

Not to be outdone by his teammates’ offensive contributions, Herb Jones has been a rock for the Pelicans on defense. He’s played over 30 minutes in each game and finished Game 4 with two steals and three blocks on top of his 13 points.

At the end of the day, the entire Pelicans’ lineup is contributing on both sides of the ball. Even though they’re the underdogs tonight, they’ve proven that they’re more than capable of beating the Suns in Phoenix and taking the 3-2 lead.

Suns Continue Struggling Without Booker

Everyone knew that the Suns would be hurting when Devin Booker was injured in Game 2 of the series. Unfortunately, the situation has been worse than expected.

Booker is one of the premier shooters in the NBA today, but his absence has left the Suns without a legitimate outside threat.

For example, the Suns have made only 11 three-pointers over the last two games versus 23 in the first two with Booker in the lineup. They’ve also shot just .208 from the three-point line since Game 3, which goes to show that the Pelicans aren’t really worried about them on the outside.

Deandre Ayton has stepped up and averaged 25.5 points with a .706 FG% while Chris Paul has averaged a double-double (16.0 PTS, 12.5 AST) over the last two games, but haven’t received much help from their teammates.

Every other Suns player has averaged 14.5 PPG or less with Booker out of the lineup, making it tough to win — especially with how well the Pelicans’ stars have been playing.

The hometown crowd in Phoenix should give the Suns an advantage, although, it may not be that simple after the Pelicans defeated them at the Footprint Center in Game 2. Only time will tell if history repeats itself.

Pelicans vs. Suns Game 5 Prediction and Best Bets

Prediction: Suns 115, Pelicans 113

Best Bets: Pelicans +6.5 (-110 at Bovada Sportsbook) and Over 215 (-110 at BetOnline Sportsbook)

The Pelicans have been playing well lately, however, it’s tough to imagine the Suns going down 3-2 in the series. The Suns are better than their recent play shows and they should walk away with a win in an otherwise close matchup.

Best Prop Pick for Pelicans vs. Suns Game 5

• Brandon Ingram Over 26.5 Points (-104 at BetOnline Sportsbook)

It can’t be understated just how well Brandon Ingram has been playing lately.

He’s finished with the over on this prop in each of his last three games, averaging 33.7 PPG on .556/.500/.857 shooting.

Even with the Suns being one of the top defensive teams in the league, they simply don’t have an answer for what Ingram has been doing. Simply put, he’s playing like one of the best players in the league at the moment.

With no slowing down in sight, look for Ingram to finish with the over on this prop once again.

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