The Phoenix Suns take their two-game winning streak into the Big Easy tonight to face the struggling New Orleans Pelicans, who have lost nine in a row.
My Suns vs Pelicans predictions are eyeing Devin Booker to carry the scoring load after Kevin Durant sprained his ankle earlier this week.
Find out more in my NBA picks for Thursday, December 5 with the tip at 8 p.m. ET at the Smoothie King Center.
Suns vs Pelicans prediction
My best bet
Devin Booker Over 29.5 points (-115 at bet365)
My analysis
Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant’s injury problems reared their ugly head again on Wednesday, with the future Hall of Famer being ruled out for the next 1-2 weeks after just returning from a strained calf. With KD sidelined again, the offensive load will largely be on Devin Booker’s shoulders.
The former Kentucky standout has been solid in 2023-24, averaging 25 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds while playing in every single game. Book has only hit the Over in points in two of the last five contests, but again, the rock will be in his hands a lot here.
Plus, Booker stepped up after Durant left with the injury the other night, scoring 29 in 38 minutes of action. We also have to consider just how poor the New Orleans Pelicans are, ranking 28th in defensive rating. Booker absolutely cooked the Pels last season in three games, averaging a mind-boggling 43 points.
I expect him to show out tonight with his co-star watching from the bench.
Suns vs Pelicans same-game parlay
Devin Booker Over 29.5 points
Tyus Jones Over 12.5 points
Suns moneyline
Tyus Jones has been an under-the-radar addition to the Suns. They desperately needed another guard to complement Booker in the backcourt and that’s exactly what he’s done. Despite being mostly a bench piece in past seasons until 2023-24 with Washington, Jones has stepped in and been a solid producer at PG for Phoenix.
He owns averages of 11.7 points, 7.1 dimes, and 2.6 boards while shooting 39.8% from 3-point land. We’re focusing on his points here because Jones has hit the Over in back-to-back outings and five of his last seven.
Point guards are averaging 23.5 points per contest against the Pelicans this season. I’m not saying he’s going to erupt for 20+, but surpassing 12.5 shouldn’t be an issue. With KD out, Jones will also have more opportunities to score.
It’s rather obvious why we’re taking the Suns moneyline. The Pelicans are a disaster and could end up blowing it up at the trade deadline. Phoenix has also won three of the last four meetings with New Orleans. The Pels haven’t beaten a Pacific Division team this season, either.
Zion Williamson is still out while Brandon Ingram is questionable with a calf injury. The Suns will get it done and continue their winning ways while moving above .500 on the road in the process.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Suns vs Pelicans odds
Suns vs Pelicans live odds
Suns vs Pelicans opening odds
- Spread: Phoenix -1 (-110) | New Orleans +1 (-110)
- Moneyline: Phoenix -115 | New Orleans -105
- Over/Under: Over 218.5 (-110) | Under 218.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Suns vs Pelicans spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Suns are just 8-12-0 against the spread.
- New Orleans has an ATS record of 7-15-0.
- The Over has hit in seven of the last 10 meetings.
Suns vs Pelicans trend
The Suns have hit the 4Q Game Total Under in 51 of their last 81 games (+17.05 Units / 18% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Suns vs. Pelicans.
How to watch Suns vs Pelicans
| Location: | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Date: | Thursday, 12-5-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Arizona's Family Sports, GCSEN |
Suns vs Pelicans latest injuries
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