Pelicans Face Uphill Battle Against High-Flying Suns
The New Orleans Pelicans are set to face a formidable challenge as they travel to Phoenix to take on the Suns on Friday night. After a brief respite at home, the Pelicans will be looking to snap a losing streak against the Suns, who have dominated the matchup as February 2022.
New Orleans enters the game with a 23-36 record,struggling to find consistency on the offensive end. They currently rank among the league’s lowest scorers, averaging a mere 106.3 points per game. Their recent loss to the Dallas Mavericks highlighted these struggles, as they fell behind by a notable margin and couldn’t mount a comeback despite a stellar performance from CJ McCollum, who poured in 38 points.
In contrast, the Phoenix Suns are soaring high with a league-leading 49-10 record. Their offensive firepower is undeniable, averaging a remarkable 113.8 points per game, the highest in the NBA. Devin Booker has been a driving force behind their success, consistently delivering extraordinary performances. in their recent victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Booker recorded a double-double with 25 points and 12 assists, while also showcasing his defensive prowess with six steals. This marks the third consecutive game where Booker has tallied at least three steals, demonstrating his all-around impact on the court.
The oddsmakers favor the Suns heavily, predicting a 6.5-point victory. This prediction is supported by the Pelicans’ recent struggles against the spread, having failed to cover in their last two outings.
While the Pelicans will be hoping to pull off an upset,the Suns’ offensive prowess and home-court advantage make them the clear favorites in this matchup.
For expert analysis and predictions on this game and others, check out SportsLine’s advanced computer model.
Can the Pelicans Upset the Suns? A Closer Look with Former NBA Champion, Kendrick Perkins
The New Orleans Pelicans are facing a monumental task this Friday night as they take on the league-leading Phoenix Suns. With a 23-36 record, the Pelicans are struggling to find consistency on offense, averaging a league-low 106.3 points per game.The Suns, on the other hand, are scorching hot, boasting a dominant 49-10 record and leading the NBA with a breathtaking 113.8 points per game average.
To get some expert insight on this David vs. Goliath matchup, we sat down with former NBA champion and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins.
Moderator: Kendrick, the Pelicans are on the road facing a Suns team that’s simply firing on all cylinders. Do you see any realistic path to victory for New Orleans?
Kendrick Perkins: Look, I respect the Pelicans, but let’s be real. They’re gonna need a herculean effort from CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson to even stay competitive. The Suns are a well-oiled machine, Devin Booker is playing at an MVP level, and their defense is suffocating. I just don’t see how new orleans pulls this one out.
Moderator: You mentioned Booker. He’s been on an absolute tear lately, racking up points, assists, and even steals.Does he have what it takes to lead the Suns to another championship?
Kendrick Perkins: Absolutely. Booker’s game has matured tremendously. He’s not just a scorer anymore; he’s a complete player who can impact the game on both ends of the court. If they stay healthy, the Suns are the team to beat in the Western Conference.
Moderator: Yet, there’s a lot of basketball left to be played.The Pelicans, despite their struggles, have shown flashes of brilliance. Could they possibly surprise us?
Kendrick Perkins: They could, but it would require a near-perfect performance. Zion Williamson needs to be dominant in the paint, CJ McCollum needs to stay hot from the perimeter, and their defense needs to somehow contain the Suns’ high-powered offense. It’s a tall order, but stranger things have happened in the NBA.
Moderator: We’ve seen several teams with strong regular season records falter in the playoffs. Is there a chance the Suns, despite their current dominance, might struggle once the postseason arrives?
Kendrick Perkins: Every team faces challenges in the playoffs. The intensity ramps up, the pressure mounts, and anything can happen. But the Suns have experience and depth, which are crucial ingredients for playoff success. They’re definitely a team to watch come playoff time.
What do you all think? Can the Pelicans pull off the upset and stun the NBA by defeating the Suns? Or will Phoenix continue their winning ways? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
