Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 5, 2024 

The New Orleans Pelicans host the Phoenix Suns on Thursday for their first encounter of the 2024-25 NBA season. The matchup features Western Conference squads on opposite ends of the standings, with the Suns at the fifth spot with a 12-8 record while the Pelicans occupy the last spot with a 4-18 record.

Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans game details and odds

The Suns-Pelicans matchup is scheduled to tip off at 8:00 p.m. ET on Thursday at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Fans in and around Phoenix can watch the game on AZFamily, while New Orleans residents can catch it on Gulf Coast Sports. The contest can also be live-streamed on FuboTV or via the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Suns (-116) vs Pelicans (+102)

Spread: Suns (-1.5) vs Pelicans (+1.5)

Total (O/U): -110 (o221.5) / -110 (u221.5)

Note: The odds could change close to the game.

Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans Preview

The Phoenix Suns have won four of their last 10 games and are riding a two-game winning streak. They are coming off a 104-93 home victory against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. Devin Booker led their victory charge with 29 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans are dealing with a nine-game losing streak after their 124-112 road loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. CJ McCollum led their losing effort with 29 points, six rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

For Thursday's game, the Suns will be without Kevin Durant, Collin Gillespie, and Jusuf Nurkic. Ryan Dunn is listed as questionable on their injury report, and his participation will be a game-time decision. Phoenix is projected to deploy a starting lineup of Tyus Jones (PG), Devin Booker (SG), Bradley Beal (SF), Royce O'Neale (PF) and Oso Ighodaro (C).

Meanwhile, the Pelicans will be without Jose Alvarado, Jordan Hawkins, and Zion Williamson. Brandon Ingram, Herbert Jones, and Yves Missi are listed as questionable for the game. New Orleans will likely use a starting lineup of Dejounte Murray (PG), CJ McCollum (SG), Brandon Ingram (SF), Trey Murphy III (PF) and Yves Missi (C).

Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans Betting Tips

Devin Booker is expected to record under 29.5 points in the upcoming matchup. He is averaging 25.0 points this season and has crossed the mark only six times in the 20 games he's played so far in the season.

Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray is favored to record under 20.5 points in the game. Murray is averaging 13.2 points this season and has only crossed the line once this season when he recorded 21 points.

Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction

After some turbulence, the Suns are gaining some momentum and are expected to keep it going with a win against the struggling Pelicans on Thursday.