New Orleans Pelicans (36–46, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (64–18, first in the Western Conference)
Western Conference 1st round: Sons host first series matchup
Bottom line: The Phoenix Suns host the New Orleans Pelicans to open the first round of the Western Conference. Phoenix went 3-1 against New Orleans during the regular season. The Sun won the previous regular season matchup 131–115 on 16 March. Devin Booker led the Suns with 27 points, and Herbert Jones led the Pelicans with 22 points.
The Sons went 39-13 against the Western Conference teams. Phoenix scores 114.8 points while outscoring opponents by 7.5 points per game.
The Pelicans are 25-27 against Western Conference opponents. New Orleans has an 18–32 record against teams of over .500.
Top Performer: Chris Paul averages 14.7 points, 10.8 assists and 1.9 steals for the Suns. Booker averages 34.3 points and 4.1 rebounds, shooting 52.2% in the last 10 games for Phoenix.
Jonas Valenciunas is shooting 54.4% and averaging 17.8 points for the Pelicans. CJ McCallum averages 2.5 made 3-pointers in the last 10 games for New Orleans.
Last 10 games: Suns: 6-4, averaging 114.6 points, 43.3 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 8.6 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 47.7% from the field. Their opponents average 113.6 points per game.
Pelicans: 7-3, averaging 114.7 points, 42.1 rebounds, 24.6 assists, 10.0 steals and 3.5 blocks per game while shooting 47.0% from the field. His opponents average 113.3 points.
Injuries: Sun: Dario Saric: Outside (knee), JE Crowder: Day-to-Day (ankle).
Pelicans: Kira Lewis Jr.: out for the season (knee), Zion Williamson: out (leg).
