The New Orleans Pelicans head back to Phoenix for Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs. It’s been a wild ride for the No. 8 seed so far, squeezing their way to the postseason in the Play-In and leveling the series against the Western Conference top seed. They look for back-to-back wins to take a surprising 3-2 lead. Meanwhile, the Suns look forward to playing in the comfort of the Footprint Center to try and regain lost momentum.

Nitrobetting is more than ready for the postseason. Find a full preview of the Pelicans vs. Suns game below. We present you with game details, team and player stats, the latest NBA betting odds, trends, and predictions–all of which help you lock in on the best picks.

Pelicans vs. Suns Game 5 Information

• When: Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 10:00 PM ET
• Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
• TV: TNT
• Radio: ESPN New Orleans 100.3 FM (Pelicans) / 98.7 ARIZONA SPORTS (Suns)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: Pelicans (+6.5) / Grizzlies (-6.5)

READ MORE: Hawks vs. Heat Game 5 NBA Playoffs Odds and Preview – April 26th, 2022

Why Bet on the New Orleans Pelicans?

In Game 1, the Pels hung with the Suns. Then in Game 2, the Pelicans blasted Phoenix after Brandon Ingram dominated with 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. Game 3 saw a close loss to Phoenix. New Orleans dominated Game 4.

So although the Pelicans are the 8-seed and Phoenix is the 1-seed, New Orleans has shown in every game this series that they can hang with the Suns. The Pels already have a victory on Phoenix’s floor. Is it so difficult to believe New Orleans can’t grab another win in the Valley?

They have shown impressive rebounding efforts in the series. Jonas Valanciunas dominates the series stats with 16 rebounds per game–almost six rebounds more than Deandre Ayton. As a team, the Pelicans average 47.8 rebounds per game in the playoffs. Both teams are toe-to-toe in free-throw shooting, 77.8% to 75.6%, with the slight advantage going to the hosts.

New Orleans enters the clash with a healthy core lineup. The duo of Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum are expected to take over the offense, with Jonas Valanciunas on number five. Meanwhile, Herbert Jones and Jaxson Hayes provide defensive edge and second-choice scoring opportunities.

Why Bet on the Phoenix Suns?

Phoenix coach Monty Williams pointed out one of the biggest discrepancies in foul shots in Game 4 that you’re likely ever to see. The Pelicans took 42 free throws. The Suns took just 15. The difference of 27 more than made up for the 118-103 loss. Overall, Phoenix played a decent game.

The Suns held the Pels to 47% shooting from the floor, which isn’t great, but only 6-of-24 from behind the three-point line, which is great. If there’s no free throw discrepancy in Game 5, the Suns should win and cover.

Despite holding the better field goal percentage at 51.2%, the Suns still have trouble keeping up with the Pelicans. They shoot well from the line at 77.8% and display better ball movement with 27.5 assists per game. However, losing top scorer Devin Booker to a hamstring injury means more scoring workload for the starters. Booker is expected to be out until at least April 30. Second-choice shooting guard Landry Shamet fills in the position for Game 5.

Phoenix needs to step up and make the most of home advantage this time. Losing one home game hit the team hard and they hope for better results come Tuesday night.

Pelicans vs. Suns Betting Trends

• Pelicans are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 games following an ATS win.
• New Orleans is 1-6 ATS in the last 7 following an ATS victory.
• The totals went over in four of the Pelicans’ last five road games against the Suns.
• Suns are 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games as a favorite.
• Phoenix is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 NBA Playoff quarterfinals games.
• The totals went under in four of the Suns’ last five games against the Pelicans.

Pelicans vs. Suns Expert Betting Prediction

Once again, Phoenix must play without star guard Devin Booker. Without Devin, Phoenix’s bench must pick it up on the offensive end. So far, things have gone okay for the Suns without Booker. Phoenix still has home court. If they win on Tuesday night and the Pels win Game 6, Game 7 happens at Footprint Center.

If you’re a Suns fan, don’t lose sleep just yet. But although Phoenix should win Game 5, it’s difficult seeing Phoenix taking this by 8 points. New Orleans is a good basketball team. The Pelicans have a couple of take charge players in C.J. McCollum and Brandon Ingram. McCollum and Ingram will ensure the Suns don’t grab more than a 6 point lead. Phoenix wins and New Orleans covers.

This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more NBA game previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Basketball betting odds on the sportsbook.

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*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.