Pelicans vs Suns
Fri, Dec 26
Final
Pelicans
Pelicans
(8 - 23)
108
-
115
Suns
Suns
(16 - 13)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelicans | 23 | 25 | 32 | 28 | 108 |
| Suns | 26 | 27 | 28 | 34 | 115 |
Venue: Smoothie King Center
GAME LEADERS
PTS
REB
AST
Zion Williamson
NOP | #1 | F
20
8
6
Devin Booker
PHX | #1 | G
30
9
5
Smart Game Analysis
Phoenix Suns has a 62% chance of winning the game
While the Pelicans have won five of their last six games behind Zion Williamson's dominance, the Suns' superior defensive structure and the absence of New Orleans' best perimeter defender, Herbert Jones, give Phoenix the edge.
Key Analysis
- • New Orleans is missing elite defender Herbert Jones (ankle), leaving them vulnerable against Devin Booker.
- • The Pelicans rank 1st in the league for points in the paint, creating a massive interior test for the Suns' frontcourt.
- • Phoenix boasts a top-10 scoring defense (113.9 PPG allowed), whereas New Orleans ranks near the bottom (122.8 PPG allowed).
- • The Pelicans have strong recent momentum with 5 wins in their last 6 games, though they are coming off a 141-118 blowout loss to Cleveland.
- • Phoenix ranks 2nd in the league for forcing opponent turnovers (17.6 per game), which could stifle the Pelicans' offense.
- • To pull off the upset, New Orleans must control the tempo and exploit their offensive rebounding advantage (8th in NBA) to limit Phoenix's possessions.
