NBA 2021/22 on Wednesday, 05.01.2022
In the game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns, I will make a conditional bet. Incidentally, the underdog’s chances are better than many currently assume.
The visitors are suffering from the loss of several key players, while New Orleans is performing much better at home than their current position in the standings would suggest. Without reinforcements, the Arizonans will definitely have problems tonight!
Madness! The once invincible Suns have lost almost as many games during their last five NBA games alone (3) as they did in the period from the start of the season until just before New Year’s Day (5).
Incidentally, one of the main reasons why the strong run of the 2021/22 NBA Finals participants has faltered recently occurred at this time: Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder had to go into quarantine shortly before the New Year.
The consequences of these absences were reflected on the floor, for example, in the unexpectedly high 108-123 defeat against the Boston Celtics. But already in the following game, the Arizonans took precautions to prevent another such defeat!
The team’s 133-99 win over a team as strong as the Hornets’ suddenly went smoothly – even though the starting five, which was short of players, was the same as it had been the night before against the Celtics. What happened?
The Suns simply got more support from the bench – also because a Bismack Biyombo celebrated his debut. He was also the one who brought in fresh wind from outside and compensated for the absence of the superstars.
In comparison: In the game against Boston, no bench player was able to score in double figures, in the debut of Biyombo (11) against the Hornets, it was a total of three reserve players with Shamet (17) and Payne (14) who were able to break the 10-point mark.
The Suns have made up some of the shortage in personnel and can also hope that Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder will be able to return in time for the tip-off. A new rule ensures that.
Since 27 December, vaccinated players can be released from quarantine after the sixth day if there are no positive tests – in the case of the two Suns players, that would be just enough for the game against the Pelicans!
But the Arizonans will need both another strong showing from the bench players and the return of at least one of their two superstars tonight to be enough to beat New Orleans!
The Pelicans are a team that has flown under the radar for much of the season, but can make even the strongest teams uncomfortable – especially when they have their own crowd behind them!
The Louisiana franchise has won all of its last four home games. The last three opponents were even really good! Besides the Cavs and Trail Blazers, they celebrated an overtime victory over the reigning NBA champions.
Although the Bucks took revenge for this defeat in the rematch, the Pelicans remain an unpleasant opponent whose desolate overall record does not reflect their actual playing strength.
The last time the two franchises met was in November and on that occasion it was the Suns who claimed a relatively narrow 112-100 victory. However, a Jae Crowder was essential to their success that night…
Conclusion: The Pelicans may be languishing in the bottom of their own conference, but they are far too good in quality for that. They have won each of their last four home games – most recently even against the reigning NBA champions!
My Pelicans Suns tip is largely dependent on the currently unlikely return of de Andre Ayton and Jae Crowder. They are absolutely needed to guarantee a victory over the home side.
Already the last direct duel could only be won thanks to a better starting five. New Orleans nevertheless played on a par for a long time and even benefits from home advantage this time.
My logical tip: The home side will win!
