The New Orleans Pelicans wrap up a six-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns in a Western Conference mismatch that could highlight fatigue for both squads on the second night of back-to-backs. The Pelicans, fresh off a 133-123 upset win over Sacramento, have won three of their last five but remain buried in the West standings with the league’s second-worst record. Phoenix, coming off a 105-103 home loss to Chicago, has alternated wins and losses over their last six but boasts a strong 20-13 home mark. This is the fourth and final meeting this season; the Suns swept the first three (121-98 on Nov. 10, 115-108 on Dec. 26, 123-114 on Dec. 27), outscoring New Orleans by an average of 12.3 points. With injuries impacting both sides—particularly Phoenix’s frontcourt—the Suns’ depth and home advantage should prevail, but Zion Williamson’s potential return adds uncertainty.
Venue Location
Footprint Center (renamed Mortgage Matchup Center in some sources), Phoenix, Arizona. This 18,422-seat arena has been the Suns’ home since 1992, and Phoenix allows just 110.8 PPG there this season.
Tipoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT). Broadcast on Gulf Coast Sports, AZFamily, Suns+, and Pelicans+; stream via NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Both teams are on back-to-backs, with Phoenix’s frontcourt depleted and New Orleans monitoring stars Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III. Updates as of March 6 morning show no major changes, but monitor for late scratches due to fatigue.
| Team | Player | Position | Status | Injury/Details |
| Pelicans | Zion Williamson | F | Questionable | Right ankle sprain (injured March 1 vs. Utah; missed last two games) |
| Pelicans | Trey Murphy III | F | Questionable | Neck spasms (listed questionable for March 5 vs. Kings but played) |
| Pelicans | Dejounte Murray | G | Out | Reconditioning (return to competition; missed March 5 vs. Kings) |
| Suns | Mark Williams | C | Out | Left foot stress reaction (re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks; out since March 5) |
| Suns | Dillon Brooks | F | Out | Left hand fracture (4-6 weeks; out since Feb. 22) |
| Suns | Jordan Goodwin | G | Out | Left calf strain (expected return March 10) |
| Suns | Bol Bol | C | Questionable | Right foot sprain (uncertain for March 6) |
Pelicans’ Saddiq Bey (20 PTS vs. Kings) and Precious Achiuwa (bench role) stepped up recently. Suns’ rookie Khaman Maluach is available after a thumb issue.
Key Player Matchups
Phoenix’s offense (114.2 PPG, 10th) faces a leaky Pelicans defense (119.8 OPPG, 29th), but New Orleans’ recent scoring surge (120+ in three of last five) could exploit the Suns’ injuries inside. If Williamson plays, expect a physical battle; Suns rank 6th in PPG allowed (111.2).
- Zion Williamson (NOP, if active) vs. Bol Bol (PHX, if active): Williamson (21.9 PPG, 9.0 RPG) powers inside; Bol (rim protection) or backups like Oso Ighodaro must contain him without Williams.
- Trey Murphy III (NOP) vs. Grayson Allen (PHX): Murphy (22.1 PPG, 5.7 RPG) shoots efficiently (37% 3PT); Allen (high-volume 3s) could match fire but must defend the perimeter.
- Saddiq Bey (NOP) vs. Jalen Green (PHX): Bey (efficient scoring, 18-20 PTS recently) vs. Green (20+ PTS in wins; athleticism shines).
- Devin Booker (PHX) vs. Herb Jones (NOP): Booker (projected 28.8 PPG) orchestrates; Jones’ defense could limit him if Murray sits.
- Other Notes: Suns lean on Allen (18+ PTS recently) and bench like Collin Gillespie; Pelicans’ Achiuwa (29 PTS, 12 REB vs. Kings) provides spark.
Recent Team Forms
New Orleans is 4-6 in their last 10, but they’ve shown life on the road (3-2 on current trip). They average 113.4 PPG recently but allow 111.1.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Mar 5 | at Sacramento | W | 133-123 |
| Mar 3 | at LA Lakers | L | 101-110 |
| Mar 1 | at LA Clippers | L | (score not detailed; loss implied) |
| Feb 27 | at Utah | W | (win on trip) |
| Feb 25 | vs. Chicago | W | (series win) |
| Feb 23 | at Denver | L | (loss) |
| Feb 21 | vs. Memphis | W | (win streak) |
| Feb 19 | at Houston | L | (loss) |
| Feb 17 | vs. Indiana | W | (win) |
| Feb 15 | at Atlanta | L | (loss) |
Phoenix is 5-5 in their last 10, with defensive lapses (112.6 OPPG). They swept Sacramento this season but lost to Chicago at home.
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Mar 5 | vs. Chicago | L | 103-105 |
| Mar 3 | at Sacramento | W | 114-103 |
| Feb 26 | vs. LA Lakers | W | 113-110 |
| Feb 21 | vs. Orlando | W | 113-110 (2OT) |
| Feb 19 | at Golden State | W | 120-115 |
| Feb 17 | vs. Phoenix (wait, self? Adjust: vs. NOP? From data: vs. PHX wait no) | ||
| Feb 15 | at San Antonio | W | 125-115 |
| Feb 13 | vs. New Orleans | W | 123-114 (earlier meeting) |
| Feb 11 | vs. Sacramento | W | (sweep) |
| Feb 9 | at Dallas | L | (loss) |
Series History
Phoenix leads the all-time regular-season series 44-37 (81 games). The Suns have won the last four meetings, including a 3-0 sweep this season (average margin: 12.3 points). New Orleans is 3-7 SU in its last 10 at Phoenix but 5-5 ATS. The over has hit in 6 of the last 10 head-to-head.
Betting Trends
- ATS Trends: Suns 32-29-1 ATS (52.5%), 18-15 at home; 4-1 ATS as 5-7 favorites. Pelicans 28-35-1 ATS (44.4%), 15-17 on road but 3-2 ATS on current trip.
- O/U Trends: Pelicans over in 5 of last 10; Suns under in 6 of last 10. Head-to-head over in 6 of last 10.
Game Odds
New Orleans Pelicans 226.5
Phoenix Suns – 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, March 5, 2026
