Suns vs Pelicans: Injury Updates, Team News, Match Preview & Predictions

Game: New Orleans Pelicans at Phoenix Suns

When: Thursday, November 21, 2019, 10:30 PM EST (Friday 3:30 AM GMT)

Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix

Preview-

The Suns have started the season in a decent fashion- something which not many expected before the start of the season. With a record of 7-6, the Suns currently sit seventh in the Western Conference.

The Suns have been decent going forward but their defensive record has been questionable. They have the 6th best 3-point percentage, but are the 24th worse in defending them. Their defence is what seemed to have let them down in their last game when they lost to the Suns. In the game, Devon Booker scored 30 points in the game, and Kelly Oubre Jr. registered 20 points apart from five steals. The Suns would be seeking improvements in defence, without disturbing their attacking returns.

The Suns have been able to win just two of the last ten games against the Pelicans. The New Orleans based franchise will look to extend their winning run against the Suns. The Pelicans though, have a few injuries to worry about. They will however, be relieved with the return of Brandon Ingram. He registered  21 points and 7 rebounds in the game in the 115-104 win against Trail Blazers, adding to Jrue Holiday’s double-double with 22 points and 10 assists.

Injury updates & team news-

Both the Pelicans and the Suns have a list of players injured. Derrick Favors (Lower Back Spasms), Josh Hart (Left Ankle Sprain), Darius Miller (Right Achilles Surgery),  Zion Williamson (Right Knee Scope) are listed as out for the Pelicans, while Lonzo Ball (Right Adductor Strain) and Jahlil Okafor (Left Ankle Sprain) are listed as probable as per reports from NBA.

As for the Suns, Cameron Johnson (knee), Dario Saric (knee), Frank Kaminsky (left hip contusion) and Ricky Rubio (back problems) are listed as day-to-day and are expected to play on Thursday, while Aaron Baines (hip) is listed as out as per reports from Arizona Sports.

Predictions-

Both the teams look even on paper, but given the defensive record of Phoenix in the season so far, New Orleans might just find a way past them.