Phoenix takes on New Orleans, aims for 10th straight home win

Updated Feb. 25, 2022 3:02 a.m. ET

Associated Press

New Orleans Pelicans (23-36, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (49-10, first in the Western Conference)

Phoenix; Friday, 9 p.m. EST

LINE: Suns -7.5; over/under is 225

BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix hosts New Orleans trying to extend its nine-game home winning streak.

The Suns have gone 29-7 against Western Conference opponents. Phoenix is third in the Western Conference at limiting opponent scoring, allowing only 105.5 points while holding opponents to 44.1% shooting.

The Pelicans are 14-20 against Western Conference opponents. New Orleans has a 3-2 record in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

The teams meet for the third time this season. The Suns won 123-110 in the last meeting on Jan. 5. Devin Booker led the Suns with 33 points, and Devonte' Graham led the Pelicans with 28 points.

TOP PERFORMERS: JaVale McGee is averaging 9.9 points and seven rebounds for the Suns. Booker is averaging 26.9 points over the last 10 games for Phoenix.

Graham is shooting 34.2% from beyond the arc with 2.8 made 3-pointers per game for the Pelicans, while averaging 13 points and 4.4 assists. Brandon Ingram is shooting 47.1% and averaging 20.6 points over the past 10 games for New Orleans.

LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 9-1, averaging 118.6 points, 46.4 rebounds, 30.4 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.4 blocks per game while shooting 50.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 108.1 points per game.

Pelicans: 5-5, averaging 110.2 points, 42.5 rebounds, 25.2 assists, 7.2 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 49.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 107.5 points.

INJURIES: Suns: Dario Saric: out (knee), Frank Kaminsky: out (knee), Cameron Payne: out (wrist), Landry Shamet: out (ankle), Chris Paul: out (thumb).

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

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