Suns at Pelicans
The Phoenix Suns are trying to avoid a 60-loss season and they aim to
record their second straight win when they visit the New Orleans
Pelicans on Saturday. Phoenix ended a seven-game losing streak with a
stunning road victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday and needs to
win two of its last three games to prevent the 60-loss campaign.
The Suns scored fewer than 100 points six times during the seven-game skid before flowing well on offense and establishing a season best for points in the 124-115 victory over the Rockets. Forward Mirza Teletovic scored 26 points and has scored 24 or more points in three of the past four games while averaging 21.5 points during the stretch. New Orleans improved to 4-3 in its last seven games after producing a 110-102 home win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. Journeyman guard Toney Douglas has been taking advantage of the backcourt injuries and scored 20 points against Lakers and has 19 or more points in three of the past five games.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, FSN Arizona (Phoenix), FSN New Orleans
ABOUT THE SUNS (21-58): A dismal campaign that is the second worst in franchise history is nearing an end and then Phoenix can fully turn its attention to the coaching situation. Recent speculation pinpointed Villanova coach Jay Wright as a target but that doesn't appear to be a realistic option as Wright quickly expressed he intends to remain with the college national champions. Interim coach Earl Watson is just 7-23 since taking over for fired Jeff Hornacek but will be looked at because of his popularity with the players, and another scenario is making a run at Golden State Warriors assistant coach Luke Walton.
ABOUT THE PELICANS (30-49): Center Alexis Ajinca is another player seeing increased action thanks to the plethora of injuries and he set career highs of 28 points and 15 rebounds in Friday's victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The 7-foot-2 Ajinca has two double-doubles in the last four games — he has 12 in his career — and is averaging 16.5 points and 9.8 rebounds during the stretch. Backup forward Luke Babbitt also has taken advantage of the opportunity with five straight outings of 15 or more points and is averaging 18 during the stretch.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. The Pelicans are 2-1 against the Suns this season and have won four of the past six meetings.
2. Phoenix PG Brandon Knight (sports hernia) underwent surgery Friday and played in only 52 games this season.
3. New Orleans SF Ryan Anderson (sports hernia) isn't expected to play again this season, which would mean he missed the final 14 contests.