Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans: Injury Reports, Starting 5s, Betting Odds, Tips & Spreads - April 22nd, 2022 | NBA Playoffs 2022
The Phoenix Suns will visit the Smoothie King Center to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night. This will be the third game of their first round series; the Pelicans upset the Suns at home in Game 2.
Brandon Ingram was the driving force behind the Suns' 125-114 win, scoring 26 of his 37 points in the second half. CJ McCollum ended the game with 23 points, including six three-pointers and nine assists, keeping the Suns’ defense on their toes.
Devin Booker, meanwhile, started the game strong, scoring 31 points in just 25 minutes before a hamstring injury late in the third sent him to the locker room. The Suns could not answer the barrage of field goals from Ingram, ending up losing Game Two at home.
Chris Paul will have an increased scoring responsibility till Booker returns, with Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton expected to chip in as well. The Pelicans’ firepower could make this series a difficult one for the Suns.
Phoenix Suns Injury Report
The Suns will play without Devin Booker, with no set timetable on his return. Dario Saric will remain on the sidelines because of a right ACL tear.
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
Zion Williamson and Kira Lewis Jr. are the only players in the Pelican’s injury list, with their status unchanged.
Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds & Spreads - April 22nd, 2022
The Phoenix Suns are favored to win Game 3 despite playing without their scoring threat, Devin Booker. The star-studded and in-form role player balance of the Suns separates them from most teams in the Western Conference.
Odds sourced from Yahoo Sportsbook!.
Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Tips
Phoenix Suns
- The Suns went 3-1 against the Pelicans in the regular season.
- The Suns had a 32-9 record on the road this season.
- The Suns are 8-6 without Devin Booker this season.
Click here to register on BetMGM SB and bet on the Suns taking a 2-1 series lead.
New Orleans Pelicans
- The Pelicans are 19-22 at home this season.
- The Pelicans have averaged 111 points against the Suns this season.
- CJ McCollum has averaged 24 points in the series so far.
Click here to register on BetMGM SB and bet on the Pelicans taking a 2-1 series lead.
Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans: Predicted Lineups
Phoenix Suns
Chris Paul should be the team’s floor general, with support from Landry Shamet, who is likely to step in for Devin Booker at shooting guard. Mikal Bridges and Jae Crowder could fill the forward positions, with Deandre Ayton manning the paint.
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker could miss 2-to-3 weeks with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, @WindhorstESPN reports: es.pn/3vBU2KE
New Orleans Pelicans
Herbert Jones and CJ McCollum should assume backcourt duties, with support from Brandon Ingram at small forward. Jaxson Hayes could start as a power forward, with Jonas Valanciunas starting at center.
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- The Suns have averaged 115.3 points against the Pelicans this season.
- The Pelicans have a 13-13 record with CJ McCollum this season.
- Brandon Ingram has averaged 27.5 points in the series so far.
Click here to register on BetMGM SB and bet on Ingram recording 30+ points in back-to-back games.
Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans: Predicted Starting 5s
Phoenix Suns
Point Guard – Chris Paul | Shooting Guard – Landry Shamet | Small Forward – Mikal Bridges | Power Forward – Jae Crowder | Center – Deandre Ayton.
New Orleans Pelicans
Point Guard – Herbert Jones | Shooting Guard – CJ McCollum | Small Forward – Brandon Ingram | Power Forward – Jaxson Hayes | Center – Jonas Valanciunas.