Yikes, that’s all we can say about the Phoenix situation. They can’t seem to stay healthy with Kevin Durant down again. Maybe we should have expected this since he was drafted in ‘08, but it’s still unfortunate. Now that Jusuf Nurkic is also out tonight, the Suns look small. Lucky for them, they’re playing another team that lacks depth at the center position.
The matchup tonight between two ailing teams won’t be high on many people's lists today, but we think there is value. Both teams will still have some star-level players, and scoring will likely be very high. With how Devin Booker has looked lately, he could have a breakout night against this diminished Pels team.
Phoenix has just been a team of streaks. Starting off red hot, they padded their record, going 9-2, but the rest of November has not been kind. They’ve slid all the way to 12-8 now, but they are on a two-game winning streak.
There is still a lot to like about the Suns. Ryan Dunn has been a steal, even though his early-season shooting numbers didn’t hold up. That’s not why they drafted him. As a rookie, he’s made a real impact on this roster's defensive abilities. Even playing 17 min a game, he’s been a great find for a team that desperately needed defense. Along with Dunn, Oso Ighodaro was impressive early on. The 7-footer out of Marquette has been solid, giving this team some valuable depth at the center position.
Overall, this team isn’t anywhere close to the peak of power with Durant gone. With him, this team has the ability to challenge almost anyone. However, they’re stuck in the middle now with few options to improve the team beyond waiting for a healthy Durant. We still like them in the matchup tonight against the Pelicans. They have the talent to take this against one of the worst teams in the West. With the injuries piling up in New Orleans, too, the Suns are the better team tonight.
This has been the season from hell for the Pelicans. They are at the bottom of the Western Conference, and they may just stay down there. The injuries have once again surfaced their ugly head on a team that should have been electric this year. However, with Zion down again, and nagging injuries across the roster, it’s hard to feel good about the Pels.
The Pels are currently on a 9 game-losing streak, but this might be the best chance they’ve had in a while to pick up a win. Phoenix is without Durant and Nurkic tonight, which is a big break for the Pels. With CJ, Murray, and Ingram all most likely available for the game, they’ll have the scoring ability. CJ has been the rock this team has needed, but it’s been far from enough. They just can’t stop anyone on defense. Playing Beal and Booker tonight will be a problem, especially with Herb Jones sidelined.
On the brighter side, the Pels may have found something in their rookie center, Missi. He’s been flung into a lead role on the team with a lack of a starting-caliber center. He’s held up half decently in the role, too. Playing 24 minutes a game, he’s averaging 9 points and 8 rebounds with nearly 2 Stocks a game. He’s not eyeballing an All-Star team any time soon, but he's transitioned well for a guy playing college ball a year ago.
This matchup will most likely turn into a rock fight. It will be an ugly night of basketball, but it could be entertaining. We expect the Pels to go full force tonight and try to end this losing streak. It’s hard to say if they’ll be able to do it, but they have a chance. We still think the Suns take this one with just a slight edge in offense.
Herb Jones Out
Bradon Ingram Questionable
Yves Missi Questionable
Jose Alvarado Out
Jordan Hawkins Out
Zion Williamson Out
Ryan Dunn Probable
Kevin Durant Out
Jusuf Nurkic Out
Spread: -3 PHO (-110) / +3 NO (-110)
Total Points: 224
Moneyline: PHO (-135) / NO (+114)
Yves Missi 10+ Rebounds (+110)
Brandon Ingram Over 19.5 Points (-115)
Tyus Jones 8+ Assists (+130)
Dejounte Murray 2+ Steals (+125)