Phoenix Suns vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 26 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Phoenix Suns will face the New Orleans Pelicans in one of nine games slated for Friday. This will be the second meeting of the season between the teams. Phoenix holds a 1-0 advantage in the regular-season series.

The Suns (16-13) have surprised many this season with their solid performance in the Western Conference. The team is holding seventh place through 29 games, quite an improvement from last season, despite losing Kevin Durant over the summer.

Devin Booker has returned to being the Suns’ No. 1 option, averaging 25.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game. Dillon Brooks has emerged as an unlikely No. 2 option, but has been impressive with averages of 21.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 1.7 apg.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans’ (8-23) campaign in 2025-26 has been the exact opposite. The team has been unable to improve on last season’s performance and finds itself holding 14th place in the West.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Zion Williamson has been sparsely available but has been solid when active, averaging 21.8 ppg and 5.7 rpg. Moreover, Trey Murphy III has also been key, recording 20.6 ppg and 6.2 rpg. Regardless of their stellar play, the team continues to struggle.

---

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans game details

The Suns-Pelicans game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET from Smoothie King Center. Fans can catch the live broadcast of the matchup on Gulf Coast Sports, Pelicans+, AZFamily, and Suns+. Alternatively, the game can be streamed with NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

---

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans betting lines

Moneyline: Suns (-175) vs. Pelicans (+145)

Spread: Suns (-4.5) vs. Pelicans (+4.5)

Total (O/U): Suns (o240.5) -108 vs. Pelicans (u240.5) -112

Note: Odds are accurate at the time of writing but are subject to change closer to tipoff.

---

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans preview

The regular season rivalry between the Suns and the Pelicans has historically been close, with the Suns winning 42 out of 79 games. Phoenix has continued adding to its advantage in the 2025-26 season, winning 121-98 against New Orleans on Nov. 10.

---

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans predicted starting lineups

Suns

G: Collin Gillespie | G: Devin Booker | F: Royce O’Neal | F: Dillon Brooks | C: Mark Williams

Pelicans

G: Jeremiah Fears | G: Trey Murphy III | F: Micah Peavy | F: Zion Williamson | C: Derik Queen

---

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans betting tips

Devin Booker has an over/under of 26.5 for Friday’s game, which is slightly below his season average of 25.4. He has also been below the mark in his last five games, averaging 24.4 ppg. The under seems favorable here.

Zion Williamson, meanwhile, has an over/under of 21.5 against Phoenix. This is slightly less than his season average of 21.8 ppg. He has recorded 21.2 points in his last five matchups. Taking the under seems like the safer bet.

---

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans prediction

Bookmakers have the Suns as heavy favorites to win Friday’s game against the Pelicans. Phoenix has been the better team, by far, this season and looks set to take a 2-0 series lead on Friday.

Our prediction: The Suns to win.

Edited by Sameer Khan