The New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Phoenix Suns for the second time in three days and emotions could be elevated in this one.
The two ignited a rivalry last season in the playoffs and it has only grown since, as they have split their two meetings so far this season and tensions have been high.
It culminated in the last meeting when Zion Williamson dunked late in the game, which hurt the Suns feelings and had them crying to anyone who would listen about the precious “unwritten rules.”
There was nothing dirty or wrong about what Zion did, but that hasn’t stopped the crybaby Suns and their fans from talking about “payback.”
I have a feeling this could be game where Naji Marshall gets ejected, because if one of these Suns attempts a dirty or hard foul on Zion, he’s going to step up and defend his guy.
In other words: IT’S A REAL RIVALRY! Remember those? I can’t wait for these two teams to run it back and hope we see some of the vitriol that quite frankly, the NBA has been missing in the banana boat era.
Here’s what you need to know.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns: Odds and Spread, Over/Under
After being underdogs at home in the last game, the Pels are favored by three in this one according to Fanduel. The money lines are -146 for New Orleans and +124 for Phoenix and the over/under a combined 225.5 points.
These two teams scored 245 combined points in the last one, so I am not sure what I am missing here, but the over looks really tasty once again.
Pelicans injury report: Brandon Ingram injuries update
We thought we might see Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones at some point on this home stand but they have been ruled out once again. I have a feeling they are just being cautious, as the team is winning anyway and there is no reason to disrupt the MoJo.
The Phoenix Karens will be missing Jae Crowder, Duane Washington Jr. and Cameron Johnson. Devin Booker is also questionable, which is a big one to watch for New Orleans, though they were able to hold him in check in the last game.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns: Prediction
This one is going to be hard fought, we know that, but which team will be able to put their emotions aside and played focused basketball? This is a big one for both teams, as the Suns don’t want to slip any more in the standings ands the Pels have a chance to put a little distance between them and stay in first place.
I think the Pelicans are going to keep rolling and the Suns will do little to stop it.
New Orleans 120,…
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