The Phoenix Suns are set to take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, December 26, 2025, with the game kicking off at 8 p.m. ET at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Currently, the Suns hold a record of 16-13, while the Pelicans sit at 8-23, marking a critical contest for both teams as they look to build momentum.
In their most recent encounter earlier this season on November 10, the Suns triumphed over the Pelicans with a decisive 121-98 victory, covering the spread as 8.5-point favorites. The Suns are coming off a strong performance where they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 132-108, a game where they also covered the spread as 2-point favorites. However, they have faced challenges, recording a 4-6 record in their last 10 games and an inconsistent 2-3 in their recent outings.
On the other hand, the Pelicans are looking to rebound after having their five-game winning streak cut short by a heavy loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers, finalizing at 141-118. Despite a commendable 5-5 record over their last 10 games, inconsistency has plagued the Pelicans, particularly in their home games where they hold a 6-12 record.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the odds favor the Suns, with a moneyline of -200, meaning one would have to bet $200 to win $100, while the Pelicans are at +165. The spread is set at Suns -5.5, with the over/under at a total of 240.5 points.
In terms of injuries, the Suns will be missing guard Grayson Allen and Jalen Green due to knee and hamstring issues, respectively. For the Pelicans, forward Herbert Jones is out with an ankle injury, and guard Dejounte Murray is sidelined due to an Achilles injury. Guard Jordan Poole is listed as questionable, adding to the uncertainty for the Pelicans as they prepare for the matchup.
Expert predictions suggest that the Suns will edge the Pelicans with a final score of 125-117, though it is noted that the spread could offer some better value for betting enthusiasts. Historically, the Suns have performed well against the spread in their winning games, boasting an impressive 15-0-1 record in this regard. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have a solid 18-11-2 ATS overall this season, including an impressive 6-1 ATS in their last seven games, despite suffering several losses by more than five points.
With excitement building for this contest, fans will be eager to see if the Suns can maintain their winning ways, or if the Pelicans can turn things around and make an impact at home.