Booker, Phoenix set for matchup against New Orleans

Phoenix Suns (54-14, first in the Western Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (28-40, 10th in the Western Conference)

New Orleans; Tuesday, 8 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns take on the New Orleans Pelicans. Booker is 10th in the NBA scoring 25.6 points per game.

The Pelicans are 19-22 in Western Conference games. New Orleans ranks seventh in the Western Conference with 25.0 assists per game led by Brandon Ingram averaging 5.5.

The Suns are 31-9 in Western Conference play. Phoenix ranks third in the Western Conference allowing just 106.1 points while holding opponents to 44.1% shooting.

The teams meet for the fourth time this season. In the last matchup on Feb. 26 the Pelicans won 117-102 led by 32 points from CJ McCollum, while Booker scored 30 points for the Suns.

TOP PERFORMERS: Ingram is averaging 22.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists for the Pelicans. McCollum is averaging 27.6 points over the last 10 games for New Orleans.

Chris Paul is averaging 14.9 points, 10.7 assists and 1.9 steals for the Suns. Deandre Ayton is averaging 18.4 points and 9.1 rebounds over the past 10 games for Phoenix.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pelicans: 5-5, averaging 120.0 points, 47.4 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 10.4 steals and 3.1 blocks per game while shooting 49.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.2 points per game.

Suns: 6-4, averaging 116.2 points, 42.0 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 9.0 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.2 points.

INJURIES: Pelicans: Larry Nance Jr.: out (knee), CJ McCollum: out (health and safety protocols), Kira Lewis Jr.: out for season (knee), Zion Williamson: out (foot), Brandon Ingram: out (hamstring).

Suns: Dario Saric: out (knee), Cameron Johnson: out (quad), Frank Kaminsky: out (knee), Chris Paul: out (thumb).

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