The Phoenix Suns smothered the New Orleans Pelicans in their 110-99 win in Game 1. What will the story be in Game 2? Check out our preview below of this Pelicans vs. Suns 2022 NBA Playoffs matchup.
Zion Williamson isn’t expected to play at all in the playoffs, but the Pelicans sure do he could after Game 1’s loss to the defending Western Conference champions. CJ McCollum led the way for New Orleans with 25 points, while Brandon Ingram put up 18 points. Their efficiency has to go up, though. The duo combined for just 15/42 shooting from the field. Jonas Valanciunas also was atrocious offensively with 7/21 shooting, but he grabbed 25 rebounds — 13 offensively (!) Then again, having that many offensive rebounds also meant the Pelicans missed a lot. Accuracy will have to better for New Orleans, which averaged 109.3 points per game back in the regular season. Nevertheless, it appears that the Suns, particularly Deandre Ayton, will have to sweat a lot dealing with Valanciunas.
The Pelicans are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games after a loss.
Chris Paul is a master. He may be old, but he’s still so effective with the rock in his hands. Paul mustered 30 points in Game 1 to go with 10 assists, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals in 34 minutes. Meanwhile, Devin Booker chipped in 25 points. As a team, the Suns shot 53.8 percent from the field. They didn’t have much problem thwarting New Orleans’ defense which wasn’t really a strength of the Pels. Phoenix also got 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks from Ayton. Valanciunas and Ayton is a tantalizing matchup, but it’s the latter who’s winning so far — outside of the rebounding department. As long as Paul is orchestrating Phoenix’s offense, the Suns will be difficult to stop for the young Pelicans, who have three more games at least to learn to play in the postseason first-hand.
The Suns are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games versus New Orleans.
