Suns vs. Pelicans Prediction, Picks, Prop Bets for Game 6

The 2021-22 NBA Playoffs continue on Thursday, April 28 with three games, including Game 6 of the Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans series.

The Suns are fresh off a 112-97 victory in Game 5 that saw them take the 3-2 series lead. There’s been talk that Devin Booker could make his return tonight, which would certainly give Phoenix a massive boost.

On the other hand, the Pelicans have beaten the Suns twice before and they’ll need to do it again with their backs against the wall. Anything less will result in their postseason elimination.

Can the Suns assert dominance once more and advance to Round 2? Or will the Pelicans find a way to play spoiler and force a Game 7?

#1 Phoenix Suns vs. #8 New Orleans Pelicans Game 6 Betting Odds and Matchup Information

Matchup Information

• Game Matchup: #1 Phoenix Suns (64-18, #1 seed in the Western Conference) vs. #8 New Orleans Pelicans (36-46, #8 seed in the Western Conference)
• Venue & Location: Smoothie King Center (New Orleans, Louisiana)
• Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• How to Watch Suns vs. Pelicans Game 6: TNT

Suns vs. Pelicans Game 5 Betting Odds

Odds are via our top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks.

BetOnline Sportsbook

• Spread: Phoenix Suns -2.5 (-110), New Orleans Pelicans +2.5 (-110)
• Total: OVER 213.5 (-110), UNDER 213.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Phoenix Suns -138, New Orleans Pelicans +118

Bovada Sportsbook

• Spread: Phoenix Suns -2 (-110), New Orleans Pelicans +2 (-110)
• Total: OVER 214 (-110), UNDER 214 (-110)
• Moneyline: Phoenix Suns -140, New Orleans Pelicans +120

BetUS

• Spread: Phoenix Suns -2.5 (-109), New Orleans Pelicans +2.5 (-113)
• Total: OVER 214 (-110), UNDER 214 (-112)
• Moneyline: Phoenix Suns -132, New Orleans Pelicans +112

Suns Look to Close Out Series, Booker Possibly Returning

If the Suns want to close out the series by winning Game 6, they’re going to need similar play from what they saw on Tuesday night.

Mikal Bridges stepped up and had his best game of the series in Game 5, finishing with a game-high 31 points with a .706 field-goal percentage. He also added five rebounds and four blocks, which is the type of all-around performance that Phoenix needs more of.

On top of that, Chris Paul had 22 points and 11 assists for his fourth double-double of the series. He’s now recorded double-digit assist totals in seven straight outings, proving why he’s still known as the ‘Point God’ to this day.

One of the keys to the Suns’ last victory was that they forced the Pelicans to make mistake after mistake. By the end of the night, New Orleans had a total of 15 turnovers, whereas Phoenix only had nine.

While a similar game plan should help the Suns to a Game 6 victory, so would the return of Devin Booker to the lineup.

ESPN Sources: Phoenix Suns All-Star G Devin Booker (hamstring strain) is progressing toward a return soon, including the possibility as soon as Game 6 or Game 7 of this playoff series vs. New Orleans. He’s expected to be initially listed as out for Thursday’s Game 6.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 27, 2022

The 25-year-old shooting guard has been out of the lineup since Game 2 with a hamstring sprain, however, the latest rumors point to a potential Game 6 or 7 return for the Suns’ superstar.

Booker has scored at least 30 points in six of his last eight outings, which shows just how well he was performing before his injury. If he can play tonight and picks up from where he left off, the Suns could be too much for the Pelicans to handle even on their best night.

Can the Pelicans Keep Their Postseason Dreams Alive?

The Pelicans have put up a decent fight this series, but they'll need to bring their A-game tonight if they don’t want to be eliminated from the 2021-22 NBA Playoffs.

If they’re going to beat the Suns, the Pelicans will need much better play from their top players, Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum.

After scoring 30-plus points in three straight games, Ingram finished Game 5 with 22 points while making 7-of-19 field-goal and 1-of-5 three-point attempts. Furthermore, he had five turnovers and owned a team-worst minus-16 plus/minus rating.

As for McCollum, he had 21 points on underwhelming shooting splits as well, going .318/.125/.857 on the night.

At the end of the day, the Pelicans can’t succeed with their top players going a combined 14-of-41 from the field.

In fact, the entire team could afford to be better on the perimeter. The Pelicans shot .200 from three-point range, whereas the Suns finished Game 5 with a .370 3p%. In today’s NBA, perimeter efficiency can dictate success, which is why New Orleans needs to perform better from beyond the arc.

Nevertheless, the Pelicans have shown that they can beat the Suns and they must take advantage of the hometown crowd to do so. New Orleans has won four of its last six games at home and only time will tell if they can make it a fifth.

Suns vs. Pelicans Game 6 Prediction and Best Bets

Prediction: Suns 112, Pelicans 106

Best Bets: Suns -2.5 (-110 at BetOnline Sportsbook) and Under 214 (-110 at BetUS)

The Suns look to be back in the driver’s seat following their Game 5 victory and a returning Devin Booker would certainly put them over the top. Even though the Pelicans have the advantage of playing at home, it’s time for the Suns to stop playing around and close out the series.

Best Prop Pick for Suns vs. Pelicans Game 6

• Deandre Ayton Under 9.5 Rebounds (-142 at BetOnline Sportsbook)

Deandre Ayton is one of the top young centers in the league, although, the Pelicans have been giving him issues in the paint.

Aside from a 17-rebound performance in Game 3, Ayton has finished with nine or fewer boards in each of the other four games this series.

The Pelicans will likely keep the same game plan for tonight, which will likely result in Ayton finishing with the under once again.

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