New Orleans, Phoenix tied 1-1 heading to game 3

Updated Apr. 21, 2022 2:22 a.m. ET

Associated Press

Phoenix Suns (64-18, first in the Western Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (36-46, eighth in the Western Conference)

New Orleans; Friday, 9:30 p.m. EDT

LINE: Pelicans -1; over/under is 216.5

WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Series tied 1-1

BOTTOM LINE: The Phoenix Suns visit the New Orleans Pelicans for game three of the Western Conference first round with the series tied 1-1. The Pelicans defeated the Suns 125-114 in the last meeting. Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 37 points, and Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points.

The Pelicans are 25-27 in conference games. New Orleans is seventh in the Western Conference with 25.0 assists per game led by Devonte' Graham averaging 4.2.

The Suns are 39-13 against Western Conference opponents. Phoenix ranks fifth in the Western Conference with 45.3 rebounds per game led by Deandre Ayton averaging 10.2.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jonas Valanciunas is shooting 54.4% and averaging 17.8 points for the Pelicans. CJ McCollum is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for New Orleans.

Booker is shooting 46.6% and averaging 26.8 points for the Suns. Landry Shamet is averaging 1.8 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Phoenix.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pelicans: 6-4, averaging 114.2 points, 43.4 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 9.7 steals and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.1 points per game.

Suns: 5-5, averaging 110.5 points, 42.9 rebounds, 26.5 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.4 points.

INJURIES: Pelicans: Kira Lewis Jr.: out for season (knee), Zion Williamson: out (foot).

Suns: Dario Saric: out (knee), Devin Booker: out (hamstring).

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