New Orleans @ Phoenix picks

Compared to last year's 1.3 clip, Jose Alvarado's three-pointers converted have increased this year to 2.1 per game. Jose Alvarado has been on the court for 29.2 minutes per game over the last 5 games, 5.8 higher than he's been on the court for over the course of the season. Over the last 5 games, the other team's starting PGs have totaled 29.2 points per game (most in the league) vs. the Suns, branding this as a good matchup for offensive output. The 3rd-fastest pace-of-play offense in the NBA over the last 20 games has been the New Orleans Pelicans. The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to see a rise in plays in this game from being pitted against the 8th-speediest tempo team in the NBA over the last 5 games (the Suns).

Offensive rebounds retain possession and bring about further opportunities for scoring and assists, but the Phoenix Suns grade out 2ndworst in in the NBA with just 8.7 offensive rebounds per game over the last 25 games.

Relative to last year's 1.3 clip, Trey Murphy III's personal fouls per game have increased this year to 2.2. Trey Murphy III ought to suffer a drop-off in output in all facets of the game considering playing on the visting team in this game.

Grayson Allen has made 3.4 shots from downtown per game over the last 5 games at home, 0.8 higher than he's made from three overall this year while playing at home. The Phoenix Suns have been the 9th-highest scoring offense in the NBA over the last 25 games. The 8th-fastest pace team in the league over the last 5 games has been the Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Suns will likely see a spike in opportunities in this contest from competing against the 3rd-speediest pace-of-play team in the NBA over the last 20 games (the New Orleans Pelicans). Grayson Allen has made 91.7% of his free throws over the last 10 games at home, 9.5% higher than he's sunk over the course of the year with the home court advantage.

Royce O'Neale has averaged 4.2 defensive boards per game this year, putting him in the company of the best players in the NBA by this metric: 84th percentile. The 8th-fastest pace team in the league over the last 5 games has been the Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Suns will likely see a spike in opportunities in this contest from competing against the 3rd-speediest pace-of-play team in the NBA over the last 20 games (the New Orleans Pelicans). Royce O'Neale will enjoy the home court advantage in this contest. Playing at home tends to raise player production for all stats.

Grayson Allen has compiled 1.2 offensive boards per game over the last 5 games while playing at home, 0.5 higher than he's compiled overall this year at home. The 8th-fastest pace team in the league over the last 5 games has been the Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Suns will likely see a spike in opportunities in this contest from competing against the 3rd-speediest pace-of-play team in the NBA over the last 20 games (the New Orleans Pelicans). Grayson Allen stands to see an increase in effectiveness in all stat categories due to enjoying the home court advantage in this contest.

Royce O'Neale has made 3.4 shots from downtown per game over the last 10 games, 1.0 more than he's converted in all games this year. The Phoenix Suns have been the 9th-highest scoring offense in the NBA over the last 25 games. This year, the opposing team's starting SGs have averaged 6.1 three attempts per game (4th-highest in the NBA) vs. the Pelicans, resulting in a positive matchup. The 8th-fastest pace team in the league over the last 5 games has been the Phoenix Suns. The Phoenix Suns will likely see a spike in opportunities in this contest from competing against the 3rd-speediest pace-of-play team in the NBA over the last 20 games (the New Orleans Pelicans).

Zion Williamson has accumulated 2.9 personal fouls per game this year, making him one of the most highest-fouling players in the NBA (96th percentile). The New Orleans Pelicans check in as the 4th-lowest scoring offense in the league when playing away from home this year. The matchup against the Phoenix Suns is a challenging one for three-pointers; the opposition's starting PFs have shot for the 3rd-lowest 3-point rate in the league this year (29.1%). Zion Williamson will not enjoy the benefit of the home court advantage in this contest. Playing while traveling usually worsens player performance in all facets of the game.