NBA 2021-22 will see Phoenix Suns facing off against New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, 18 April 2022 at 06:30 AM IST
The Suns are the title favorites this postseason as they have been the most dominant team in the league all year.
Meanwhile, the previously ninth-placed Pelicans scratched and clawed their way into the final spot of the postseason after winning two play-in tournament games.
The two teams faced off four times in the regular season, and the Suns won the season series 3-1.
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans are in the playoffs for the first time since 2018, back when Anthony Davis was on the team. They made the postseason after winning two play-in tournament games, the 9-10 matchup against San Antonio and the battle for the final 8th seed in the West against the Clippers.
Notably, they did so without the services of Zion Williamson all year. Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum have been excellent as a duo for this team, and the role players are contributing at a high level as well.
Williamson is eager to play, but the organization is overly cautious with his injury. He has already faced a setback in his rehabilitation routine this year, so he isnt expected to lace up for the playoffs.
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have been the most dominant team this season. No team has even come close to them. They ended the regular season as the only team to cross 60 wins. They were a whopping eight games better than the second-best record in the league.
The Suns are atop the league in net rating with the fourth-ranked offense (114.8) and the third-ranked defense (107.3) in the league.
They are ninth in pace of play, and fifth in points scored per game. Hence, we can expect a fast-paced and high-scoring game from them.
Chris Paul and Devin Booker are running one of the best pick-and-rolls in the game, and their backup centers have been a blessing.
Bismack Biyombo and JaVale McGee are certainly huge difference-makers as they take off some of the load for Deandre Ayton.
Meanwhile, the Suns bench is one of the best in the league, with the two Cams running the show, Cameron Payne and Cameron Johnson.
Fantasy Tips
Phoenix Suns team has the upper hand over New Orleans Pelicans team. So try to pick more players from Phoenix Suns
Small League Must Picks:
PHX: Devin Booker [2254 points], Chris Paul [2169 points] NOP: CJ McCollum [1424 points], Jonas Valanciunas [1024 points]
Devonte Graham, CJ McCollum, Tony Snell, Brandon Ingram, Garrett Temple, Herbert Jones, Jonas Valanciunas, Jaxson Hayes, Willy Hernangomez, Jose Alvarado, Jared Harper, Kira Lewis Jr., Naji Marshall, Gary Clark, Trey Murphy, Zion Williamson, Larry Nance-Jr