The New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns will play in a Western Conference matchup on Tuesday. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Pelicans-Suns prediction and pick.
The Suns have struggled a bit out of the gate after reaching the NBA Finals last season, and will look to find their rhythm vs. a Pelicans team that is still missing star forward Zion Williamson. Phoenix is a big favorite in this spot, as the 1-6 Pelicans have been dreadful without Williamson to start the season. The Suns will look to take care of business on their home floor Tuesday with a great opportunity to get back to .500.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the Pelicans-Suns odds for this Tuesday night matchup.
NBA Odds: Pelicans-Suns Odds
New Orleans Pelicans +11.5 (-114), +500 ML
Phoenix Suns -11.5 (-106), -700 ML
Over 214.5 points (-110)
Under 214.5 points (-110)
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Why The Pelicans Can Cover The Spread
Article Continues BelowIt's not going to be a shock if the Pelicans cover such a large number. They still have a few nice pieces such as Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas, they just have not been able to put it together early this season. The Suns haven't exactly been clicking on all cylinders out of the gates either though, so there may be a little bit of a value with the Pelicans tonight. They'll need a good Ingram game, but there's a decent path for New Orleans to cover vs. the Suns tonight. Valanciunas is a decent match inside for Deandre Ayton, but the Pelicans will be challenged checking Chris Paul and Devin Booker on the perimeter.
Ingram and guard Devonte' Graham, two of the Pelicans' starters, are questionable for Tuesday night's tilt in Phoenix. Zion Williamson remains out.
Why The Suns Can Cover The Spread
The Suns are due to wake up and start playing great basketball at some point. They had a shorter offseason than 28 other teams due to making the NBA Finals, and on top of that Devin Booker went to Tokyo for the Olympics after that. It may take a few more games, but the Suns should find their rhythm soon and get back to being one of the better teams in the West. They're in a good spot to work out the kinks against the 1-6 Pelicans, who have the fifth worst net rating in the NBA through their first seven games.
Deandre Ayton is questionable for the Suns on Tuesday night, while Cameron Payne and Dario Saric are out.
Final Pelicans-Suns Prediction & Pick
The Suns are bound to wake up, but this is a large spread. Take the Pelicans to cover the 11.5 points, as their last four losses have all came by seven points or less.
FINAL PELICANS-SUNS PREDICTION & PICK: Pelicans +11.5 (-110)