Phoenix takes 2-1 lead into game 4 against New Orleans

Updated Apr. 23, 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; Sunday, 9:30 p.m. EDT

LINE: Pelicans -3

WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Suns lead series 2-1

BOTTOM LINE: The Phoenix Suns visit the New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference first round with a 2-1 lead in the series. The Suns won the last matchup 114-111 on April 23 led by 28 points from Deandre Ayton, while Brandon Ingram scored 34 points for the Pelicans.

The Pelicans have gone 25-27 against Western Conference teams. New Orleans is 18-32 against opponents with a winning record.

The Suns are 39-13 in Western Conference play. Phoenix ranks second in the Western Conference shooting 36.4% from 3-point range.

TOP PERFORMERS: Devonte' Graham averages 2.5 made 3-pointers per game for the Pelicans, scoring 11.9 points while shooting 34.1% from beyond the arc. Ingram is averaging 22.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists over the past 10 games for New Orleans.

Ayton is averaging 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds for the Suns. Devin Booker is averaging 30.7 points over the last 10 games for Phoenix.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pelicans: 5-5, averaging 113.7 points, 43.8 rebounds, 24.4 assists, 9.1 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 114.7 points per game.

Suns: 5-5, averaging 110.5 points, 42.4 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 9.1 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.1 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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