Preview: Suns Face Pelicans in Vital Matchup

The Phoenix Suns look to rebound from another loss

Mar 29, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) dunks against the / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns (43-31) are set to conclude a lengthy road trip tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans (45-29).

Both teams are coming off losses - the Suns in blowout fashion to the Oklahoma City Thunder while the Pelicans dropped a competitive game against the Boston Celtics.

New Orleans will be without two key players for the matchup, as Brandon Ingram will be out due to a knee sprain and Jose Alvarado will be absent due to an oblique injury.

A brief check up on how the Pelicans' key players have been playing, previewing a key matchup, and predicting the outcome of the game will ensue.

Pelicans' Key Players Over Last 10 Games

Zion Williamson: 26.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 62.5/0/70%

C.J. McCollum: 20.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 5.2 APG, 45.2/40/92.3%

Trey Murphy III: 14 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.9 APG, 39.3/34.7/86.7%

Jonas Valinciunas: 7.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 50.8/16.7/70%

Herbert Jones: 10.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 44.1/35.1/88.5%

Key Matchup: Zion Williamson vs Suns' Defense

Williamson has been an absolute force for the Pelicans over the last month-plus and has somehow still flew under the radar - likely due to a disappointing start to the season.

The Suns will have to do much soul searching in this game - including mustering up the willpower to slow Williamson down - it will be a tall task, but doable at the same time.

Jusuf Nurkic is one of only a handful of players that can hang with Williamson's physicality and coach Vogel will need yet another stout game plan to truly compete tonight.

Prediction: Suns Win

If recent history has told us anything, it is that the Suns will alternate between humiliating losses and resounding victories.

It may be wishful thinking at this point to believe the Suns can string together a truly consistent stretch of elite basketball, but they have proven to possess the ability to put forth elite single-game performances.

Devin Booker has also averaged nearly 31 PPG against the Pelicans over their last five matchups - watch for number 1 to have a strong night.

Suns-Pelicans is set to tip off shortly after 5 P.M. Arizona time.