New Orleans Pelicans (18-10, second in the Western Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (17-12, fourth in the Western Conference)
Phoenix; Saturday, 9 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans visit Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns in Western Conference action Saturday.
The Suns have gone 14-8 against Western Conference opponents. Phoenix scores 115.3 points while outscoring opponents by 4.6 points per game.
The Pelicans have gone 12-7 against Western Conference opponents. New Orleans is 1-4 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The two teams play for the fourth time this season. The Pelicans defeated the Suns 129-124 in overtime in their last matchup on Dec. 11. Williamson led the Pelicans with 35 points, and Deandre Ayton led the Suns with 28 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Booker is scoring 26.4 points per game and averaging 4.6 rebounds for the Suns. Mikal Bridges is averaging 2.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Phoenix.
Williamson is scoring 25.3 points per game and averaging 7.3 rebounds for the Pelicans. Trey Murphy III is averaging 1.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for New Orleans.
LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 4-6, averaging 116.6 points, 43.9 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 7.0 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.5 points per game.
Pelicans: 7-3, averaging 117.0 points, 46.0 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 9.8 steals and 4.8 blocks per game while shooting 47.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.8 points.
INJURIES:
Pelicans: E.J. Liddell: out (right knee), Brandon Ingram: out (toe).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
The Associated Press
