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It has not been an ideal start to the playoffs for the Phoenix Suns. After holding the best regular-season record in the NBA by eight full games, this postseason has been a struggle. The injury to Devin Booker has changed the team a great deal and the Pelicans have proven they are unwilling to roll over. Even without Booker, the Suns were expected to have no trouble with the 36-46 Pelicans, but New Orleans has proved they have been underrated.
The Suns hold the 3-2 series advantage with the series heading back to New Orleans for Game 6. Even with Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum struggling in Game 5, the Pelicans managed to stick around. The 112-97 final score is larger than the deficit truly was and this same effort should be expected with the home crowd behind them. While Booker will likely not return this series, the Suns must get back to playing the brand of basketball they are best at. With that said, here are my three Phoenix Suns bold predictions for Game 6 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Phoenix Suns: 3 Bold Predictions for Game 6 vs Pelicans
Chris Paul will end with 25+ points and 10+ assists
The Suns have so much of their offense built around the elite shotmaking of Devin Booker. The superstar is nearing his return but still does not appear likely to be able to suit up in Game 6. The absence of Booker has put a larger weight on Chris Paul which he has handled greatly.
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
This Game 6 matchup is arguably the biggest game in franchise history for the Pelicans. The crowd is sure to be in full effect with the team's season on the line. The Suns will be counting on CP3 to produce on a high level and hit some tough shots down the stretch. Phoenix has a deep roster with many threats to score but Paul's veteran presence will be needed for the team's success in this matchup. Expect Paul to rely on the elbow jumpers and produce effectively in the matchup.
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Landry Shamet hits 4 three-pointers
The best way to silence a hostile opposing crowd is by hitting shots. The Suns should look to do just this and creating solid three-point looks is extremely important. One guy who has been quiet so far in this series is Landry Shamet. The fifth-year shooting guard has carved a role out in the NBA due to his sharp-shooting. Shamet is an effective catch-and-shoot guy who is due to break out of his slump.
The Wichita State product is a career 39% three-point shooter on 5.2 attempts per game. He has been a contributor on a contending team each year he has been in the NBA. Despite this, Shamet has struggled thus far this postseason. He is averaging 5.8 points per game and shooting just 23.1% from beyond the three-point arc.
Like every shooter, this recent string of poor play will not deter Shamet from continuing to pull the trigger. If the Suns guard can break out of his slump early in Game 6, he will become a focus in the offense. Expect the 6'4 guard to let it fly and be a key part of the second unit.
Deandre Ayton will get 15 rebounds
Deandre Ayton was expected to step up in a major way given the loss of Devin Booker. While Ayton has been solid, he has not dominated the series in the way it was hoped. Jonas Valanciunas has played a terrific series and made Ayton work for everything. The biggest discrepancy can be seen on the boards. Valanciunas has averaged 15.4 points and 15.6 rebounds which leads the playoffs in rebounds per game. In contrast, Deandre Ayton is averaging 20.2 points and 10.4 rebounds in the series.
DeAndre Ayton must impose his will in Game 6 to give the Suns an advantage. Valanciunas has kept many possessions alive for the Pelicans and also hit a few momentum-shifting baskets in Game 5. He may not have the size advantage, but Ayton is much quicker than the Pelicans' big man. The former number one overall pick must come out with his most active performance on the boards in Game 6. Eliminating the offensive rebounds will contribute to the Suns' success in a major way.
It may not be as they imagined it to go, but the Suns are not in a bad position at this point in the playoffs. If they are able to win the opening series without their best player it should increase the team's overall confidence moving forward. This all starts with their Game 6 performance in which they have a chance to send the Pelicans packing. Look for Phonix to be more aggressive on the boards and for the experience of Chris Paul to take the team home. It has been a terrific effort from the youthful Pelicans team that will leave plenty to build off. However, the Suns have larger goals at stake this season, and securing the opening round victory is the first step in that direction.
