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The Phoenix Suns lost their most recent match. The Oklahoma City Thunder were defeated 128-103 away at Paycom Center while playing on the road. Devin Booker scored 14 points, Bradley Beal scored 15, and Kevin Durant scored 26.The New Orleans Pelicans lost their most recent game. They were defeated 104-92 by the Boston Celtics at home in Smoothie King Center. Zion Williamson finished with a total of 25 points, followed by CJ McCollum with 24 and Herbert Jones with 18.
In their last two meetings with the Pelicans, the Suns have claimed victory. The score was 118-114 at Footprint Center and 123-109 at Smoothie King Center. The Suns have prevailed six times in the previous ten head-to-head matches.
After completing 74 regular-season games, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves positioned fifth in the Western Conference standings. Their playoff berth is secure, yet maintaining their position within the top-six is imperative, with only a two-win margin separating them from seventh place. New Orleans faced a challenging schedule, encountering conference leaders Oklahoma and Boston, resulting in losses, though they managed a notable victory against a formidable Milwaukee team. Unfortunately, the Pelicans will likely be without Alvarado and Ingram for their upcoming matches.
Initially touted as title contenders, the Phoenix Suns have encountered difficulties during the regular season, currently holding the seventh spot in the Western Conference, trailing the top-six by two wins. In their recent game, they suffered a significant 103-128 defeat to Oklahoma, their second loss in three matches. Their next game presents a crucial opportunity to narrow the gap and contend for a top-six finish.
In the upcoming matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns, the Pelicans will host the Suns in what marks the second-to-last meeting of the regular season between the two teams. Currently placed sixth in the Western Conference, the Pelicans hold a two-game advantage over the eighth-seeded Suns. However, the Pelicans have experienced setbacks, losing two of their last three games, both occurring at home. Consequently, their position in the Western Conference has become precarious, with only a two-game lead over their closest competitors for the final automatic playoff position. Key players Jose Alvarado and Brandon Ingram remain sidelined due to injuries, although Cody Zeller, absent for the past four games, is available for selection. In their recent matches, the Pelicans have averaged 103.7 points per game.
The Phoenix Suns are striving to elevate themselves out of the play-in tournament spots. Among the four teams expected to participate in the preliminary playoffs, the Suns are considered favorites to secure a top-six position. With a record of 43-31, they are tied with the Sacramento Kings in seventh place and maintain a 1.5-game advantage over the ninth-placed Los Angeles Lakers. However, the Suns have also encountered setbacks, suffering two losses in their last three matches, both on the road, including a notable 128-103 defeat to Oklahoma.
Despite these challenges, Phoenix enters their upcoming game with confidence, having won their last two encounters against the Pelicans. Their victory in January, with a score of 123-109, also marked their most recent visit to New Orleans. Another triumph here would secure the regular season series win with one game remaining. The Suns have minimal injury concerns, with only long-term absentee Damion Lee unavailable. In their recent outings, the Suns have averaged 103 points per game.
The New Orleans Pelicans have secured victory in six of their last ten matchups, primarily against lower-ranked teams, while facing defeats against higher-ranked adversaries. Presently, with a standing of 45-29, they hold the fifth position in the Western Conference standings.
Zion Williamson's presence significantly elevates the team's performance on both offense and defense. Beyond his impressive stats of 22 points, five rebounds, and five assists per game, Williamson offers crucial paint protection, acts as a reliable secondary defender, and has the capacity to swing the game's momentum with his electrifying dunks or decisive blocks. Notably, since the All-Star break, the Pelicans rank as the third-best defensive unit in the league. While Brandon Ingram's offensive contributions are missed, his absence inadvertently enhances defensive displays, given his lesser focus on defense. C.J. McCollum's scoring prowess, averaging 18.8 points per game with a three-point shooting accuracy of over 40%, becomes even more vital in Ingram's absence.
Sustaining a high level of defensive intensity throughout the entire game is imperative for the Pelicans. Additionally, Williamson and McCollum must deliver strong performances as the team heavily relies on their offensive output.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns have faced fluctuating fortunes throughout the season and currently hold a 43-31 record, placing them seventh in the Western Conference standings with the aim of avoiding the play-in tournament.
With star players like Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, the Suns harbor ambitions of clinching the NBA championship. However, their season has been marked by frequent absences from key players. Notably, Durant and Booker boast impressive shooting percentages above 50% from two-point range on substantial shot attempts. Beal's scoring prowess is well-documented, capable of dropping 30 points on any given night, while Jusuf Nurkic's recent performances, including consecutive games with 20 or more rebounds, highlight his importance as the team's center.
Rebounding, particularly Nurkic's contributions, will be pivotal for the Suns as they aim to neutralize Zion Williamson's impact in the paint, a crucial factor for securing victory. Furthermore, the shooting efficiency of Beal, Booker, and Durant will heavily influence the outcome of the game.
