Phoenix at New Orleans

Everything turned so quickly against Phoenix, losing leading scorer Devin Booker and Game 2, 125-114. The Suns have failed to cover six of seven as a favorite and head out on the road after losing the home-court edge. New Orleans made midseason moves that upgraded the team, adding guard C.J. McCollum and Larry Nance, Jr. The team defense also improved, ranking #13 in points allowed. A matchup advantage for them in this series is the inside muscle with 6-11 center Jonas Valanciunas, 6-11 Jaxson Hayes, and 6-8 Brandon Ingram. That inside game was evident in Game 2 as the Pelicans won the rebounding battle, 43-33. New Orleans is 18-8 ATS when playing their second game in five days, as well as 17-7 ATS after playing two straight road contests. Remember that back in February the Pelicans beat the Suns, 117-102, winning the rebounding battle 53-37, so back the home dog here. Play New Orleans.