Filip Tomic
Show Bio
Who would have thought that we would be level at 2-2 after 4 games played in this series? The pressure is now on the Phoenix Suns to deliver a home win as they meet up with the New Orleans Pelicans for Game 5 tonight. Watch the game live on TNT from 10:00 pm ET and check out my same game parlay for the big matchup.
We also have predictions for the other 2 NBA Playoffs games being played tonight, so make sure you check those out. But for now, let’s get into the Pelicans vs Suns matchup.
Phoenix Suns 1-10 win margin (+170)
Deandre Ayton to score 25+ points (+215)
Brandon Ingram over 8.5 1st quarter points (+110)
Parlay odds: +1424
Phoenix Suns 1-10 win margin (+170)
Stakes are big in Game 5 as the loser will be on the brink of elimination for Game 6. Phoenix needs to wake up quickly here, otherwise they could be in deep trouble. I think playing at home should do them well — after all, they are 15-5 SU in their last 20 games against Southwest Division opponents. Experience is also on their side as they reached the NBA Finals last season, while the Pelicans are still a work in progress. New Orleans is just 5-10 ATS/SU in the last 15 meetings between these teams. Phoenix not having Booker makes an impact as their last win in this series was just a 3-point victory on the road so I’m expecting another close outcome here. Ultimately, the Suns have CP3 on their roster who should bring them home here.
Be sure to check out our full Game 5 preview for New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns
Deandre Ayton to score 25+ points (+215)
One thing the Suns can count on in this game is the production from their big man Deandre Ayton. Since Booker went down with his hamstring injury, Ayton has averaged 17 shot attempts in the two games while putting up 28 points in Game 3 and 23 points in Game 4. His replacement, JaVale McGee, is also having really good games in this series, which tells me that the Pelicans are simply not equipped well enough to slow down the Suns’ big men. New Orleans has had issues defending the paint all series long. The Suns are shooting 77.2% from within 5 feet of the basket through 4 games and Ayton should be able to exploit that further in Game 5.
Brandon Ingram over 8.5 1st quarter points (+110)
The master of the mid-range game, Brandon Ingram, is averaging close to 30 points per game in this series. He is torching the Suns from the field, connecting on 51% of his shots, including 50% of those from three-point range. Getting off to good starts in these 4 games has been the key for the Pelicans as Ingram is averaging 9 points per game through the first 12 minutes of play. He’s taking an average of 7 field goals and 2 free throws during that time, so if he just continues shooting his percentages he shouldn’t have any issues reaching 9 points in the 1st quarter tonight. New Orleans has won the 1st quarter in the last 3 games between these teams and you can count on them being locked in tonight as they try to cause a massive upset on the road.
Don’t miss our HUGE same game parlay for Hawks vs Heat (+3879 odds!)
Pickswise is the home of free NBA picks and predictions. Make sure to also check out our NBA parlays and NBA prop bets tabs for more expert picks.
