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The New Orleans Pelicans have battled through the play-in tournament and their reward is a showdown with the league-leading Phoenix Suns. The hosts tonight also lead the season series between the teams 3-1, but it’s 1-1 since CJ McCollum joined the Pelicans. That should give them hope that they can make this a competitive series.
You can find our full NBA game previews here. But for now check out my Pelicans-Suns same game parlay below.
New Orleans Pelicans ML (+430)
Jonas Valanciunas 14+ rebounds (+176)
CJ McCollum to score 30+ points (+255)
Parlay odds: +2646
New Orleans Pelicans ML (+430)
We saw last night the potential benefit of having to go through the play-ins, with the Minnesota Timberwolves upsetting the Memphis Grizzlies. With the Pelicans already having survived 2 elimination games, there is a chance they could catch the Suns off guard. The Pelicans have already beaten the Suns on the road this season since acquiring CJ McCollum and should be confident of doing so again. The Pelicans also match up well with today’s opponents. Herbert Jones has the physical tools to cause Devin Booker issues, while Jonas Valanciunas should be able to handle the physicality of Deandre Ayton. The Suns have only known their first-round opponent since Friday night and could be ill-prepared as a result. It’s the most vulnerable they are likely to be all series, and the Pelicans are worth a shot to take an early win.
Be sure to check out our full Game 1 preview for New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns.
Jonas Valanciunas 14+ rebounds (+176)
Jonas Valanciunas has had a great time rebounding the ball against the Suns this season, averaging 14.8 boards per game over 4 contests. He has averaged more per game against only the Oklahoma City Thunder when looking at opponents he has played more than once this year. The reason for that is that the Suns have several centers who all have similar skill sets. Deandre Ayton, Bismack Biyombo and JaVale McGee are all unable to stretch the floor. Ayton can hit jump shots from mid-range but that still leaves Valanciunas in prime position to grab rebounds. He has recorded 14 or more rebounds in 3 of the 4 games against them this season, and tonight should be no different.
Sunday’s NBA mega parlay is also available (+1309 odds!)
CJ McCollum to score 30+ points (+255)
In the road game which the Pelicans managed to win against the Suns this season, McCollum went off for 32 points. If they are to have any chance of replicating that performance, they will need another big night from their star guard. He has enjoyed playing against the Suns this year too. His points-per-game average increases against them from 22.1 on the season to 24.8. The Suns ended the year 8th in terms of pace of play, so there should be plenty of field-goal opportunities. And with the strong showing of Brandon Ingram against the Los Angeles Clippers, he is likely to draw the defensive attention of Mikal Bridges. Considering the Suns’ forward is one of the frontrunners for defensive player of the year, not having to go up against him should help the McCollum to go off.
Now check out our NBA first basket predictions for Sunday (+8700 odds!)
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