NBA: New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns Injury Reports, Predicted Lineups, and Starting 5s

The Phoenix Suns will play the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Footprint Center in 2022. In Game 1, the Suns cruised to a 110-99 victory over the Pelicans, who were seeded ninth. In-Game 1 of the series, the Pelicans gave it their all to compete with the Suns, who had a 60-win season. Despite bad shooting splits, CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, and Brandon Ingram combined for 61 points. The Suns' outstanding defense wreaked havoc on Willie Green's team all night, as they were unable to get quality looks. The Suns recorded nine blocks and six steals while forcing 13 Pelicans turnovers while shooting just 37% as a team.

In Game 1, Devin Booker and Chris Paul combined for 55 points on 57 percent shooting to lead the way. Paul scored 30 points and dished out ten assists, making him the oldest player in postseason history to do so. Steve Nash had already set the mark in Game 1 of the 2010 Western Conference Semi-Finals. Crowder also had a one-of-a-kind stat line in 28 minutes, with one point, an assist, a rebound, and a block. In Game 2, the Suns will strive to keep their home court advantage before traveling to Louisiana for Games 3 and 4.

Injury Report for the New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson and Kira Lewis Jr. have been absent this season due to long-term ailments. The organization and Williamson are reportedly at odds over whether the third-year pro is ready to play.

Injury Report for the Phoenix Suns

As he has been all season, Dario Saric is the sole player on the Suns' injury report. During the 2021 NBA Finals, he tore his ACL.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns Lineups Predicted

New Orleans Pelicans

CJ McCollum and Herbert Jones will play in the backcourt for the Pelicans, while Brandon Ingram and Jaxson Hayes will play in the frontcourt. Jonas Valanciunas will remain in the starting lineup. Trey Murphy III, Larry Nance Jr., Devonte' Graham, and Naji Marshall are among the players who could make an impact off the bench.

Phoenix Suns

With Chris Paul at point, the backcourt should be run by Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Bridges and Crowder should start at the forward positions, with Crowder at the four, and Deandre Ayton at the center. Cameron Payne and Cameron Johnson, as well as JaVale McGee, Bismack Biyombo, and Landry Shamet, might all come off the bench.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns: Predicted Starting 5s

New Orleans Pelicans

G - CJ McCollum | G - Herbert Jones | F - Brandon Ingram | F - Jaxson Hayes | C - Jonas Valanciunas.

Phoenix Suns

G - Chris Paul | G - Devin Booker | F - Mikal Bridges | F - Jae Crowder | C - Deandre Ayton.