The NBA playoffs will continue with the first round Game 2 which takes place at Footprint Center in Phoenix, so make sure you check out the best Pelicans vs. Suns betting pick and odds.

These Western Conference rivals have met five times this season, and the Suns won four of those duels, including the opening game of this playoff series.

According to BetUS Sportsbook, the Suns are -9.5 point favorites with a total of 221.5 points.

Pelicans couldn’t make an upset in the opener

The New Orleans Pelicans secured the playoff spot after defeating the Spurs and Clippers in the play-in, but the reality check struck them in the opening game of the playoffs in Phoenix. They trailed 19 points at halftime as the Suns’ defense kept them to just 34, while New Orleans shot 37.9% from the field in this loss.

CJ McCollum led the Pels with 28 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Brandon Ingram (18 PTS, 5 REB, and 4 AST), Jonas Valanciunas (18 PTS and 25 REB), and Larry Nance Jr. (14 PTS and 6 REB) played well in this 111-99 loss.

Suns didn’t have trouble with the Pelicans

The Phoenix Suns successfully started defending their Western Conference title with a 111-99 home victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in the first game of the postseason. Phoenix displayed excellent defensive performance and neutralized the visitors in the first half, after which it was easy for Monty Williams’ team to control the tilt. The Suns covered a -10 spread.

Chris Paul dominated with a double-double of 30 points and ten assists, along with seven rebounds and three steals. Devin Booker (25 PTS, 8 AST, and 4 REB) and Deandre Ayton (21 PTS, 9 REB, and 4 BLK) were also impressive in this victory.

Trends:

New Orleans:

  • 1-5 ATS in the last six games against Phoenix
  • 0-4 ATS in the last four games as an underdog
  • 0-4 ATS in the last four when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game

Phoenix:

  • 4-1 ATS in the last five playoff games as a favorite
  • 4-1 ATS in the last five games following a straight-up win of more than 10 points
  • 4-0 ATS in the last four Conference Quarterfinals games

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns Pick       

Although I expect the Pelicans to display better first-half performance and score more than miserable 34 points, I don’t think they will be closer to the victory than they were in Game 1. The Suns are playing a fantastic defense when it matters the most, and there is nothing more important than the playoffs. The Pels will look for their chance to stay alive in this series when it moves to New Orleans, but I don’t think they have a chance in Phoenix. The visitors will take a different approach in Game 2, but the outcome will still remain the same – the Suns will win and cover in the process.

Pick: Take the Suns at -9.5 (-110)

The Total

New Orleans’ away games haven’t been efficient in terms of points this season. Namely, the Pelicans are 15-28 O/U on the road, and considering I am backing the Suns’ defense to dominate yet again, I don’t expect a high-scoring affair.

The total has gone Under in each of Phoenix’s last six games, while the total went Under in four of the Suns’ previous five games when playing at home against New Orleans. On the other side, the total has gone Under in 12 of New Orleans’ last 16 games, while the total went Under in eight of the Pelicans’ previous ten games on the road.

Pick: Go with Under 221.5 points (-110)