The Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans will face off this Friday, February 28, 2025, in a matchup set to electrify the NBA regular season. Scheduled for 11:00 PM (Brasília time), the game takes place at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, pitting two Western Conference teams with contrasting goals against each other. The Suns, spearheaded by stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, aim to solidify their standing among the conference leaders, while the Pelicans, led by CJ McCollum, look to overcome a shaky stretch and pull off an upset on the road. With live coverage secured, this clash offers fans a chance to witness a battle packed with talent and tactical intrigue.
This game carries extra weight due to the recent history between the teams, marked by tight and pivotal encounters over the past few years. Phoenix, buoyed by its home crowd, rides a strong record at the Footprint Center, banking on the trio of Durant, Booker, and Bradley Beal to set the pace. Meanwhile, the Pelicans grapple with significant absences, including Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, but rely on the seasoned hands of their remaining roster to exploit any defensive lapses from their opponents. Weather forecasts for Phoenix predict clear skies and temperatures hovering around 68°F, setting the stage for a perfect basketball night.
Probable lineups, predictions, and game details are buzzing among fans. The Suns enter as favorites, though surprises could unfold if the Pelicans manage to dictate their offensive tempo. Tickets for the Footprint Center are already on sale, with expectations of a packed house eager to see some of the NBA’s biggest names in action. Read on for everything you need to know about this thrilling showdown.
Where to Catch Suns vs. Pelicans Live
Watching the Phoenix Suns take on the New Orleans Pelicans live is straightforward for basketball enthusiasts. This NBA regular-season game will be broadcast exclusively on NBA League Pass, the league’s official streaming platform offering full coverage of every matchup. Subscribers can tune in real-time via smartphones, tablets, computers, or smart TVs, providing flexibility to catch every play. The service also includes replays for those unable to watch at tip-off.
For a more interactive experience, the teams’ official social media accounts on platforms like Twitter and Instagram will provide real-time updates, spotlighting key moments and highlights. Sports bars and restaurants across various Brazilian cities may also screen the game, particularly in spots popular with NBA fans. With no broadcast on traditional open or cable channels, securing NBA League Pass access is key to enjoying the 9:00 PM action this Friday.
Phoenix is gearing up to host the event with fervor, and fans at the Footprint Center will soak in the electric atmosphere. For online viewers, ensuring a stable internet connection is advised to fully experience a game that could hinge on the smallest details, with stars on both sides ready to shine.
Probable Lineups and Key Players
The Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans are expected to field lineups based on their most recent outings. For the Suns, coached by Mike Budenholzer, the probable starting five includes Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, Royce O’Neale, and Jusuf Nurkic. This lineup mirrors their last game, a 122-102 loss to the Denver Nuggets, where Durant and Beal sat out due to injuries, though at least one is expected to return against the Pelicans. Booker, who dropped 24 points in that defeat, remains the team’s offensive cornerstone.
On the Pelicans’ side, led by Willie Green, injuries complicate matters. With Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram sidelined, their latest lineup against the Golden State Warriors in December 2024 featured CJ McCollum, Jose Alvarado, Herbert Jones, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and Yves Missi. McCollum, averaging 20 points per game this season, is the team’s go-to scorer, tasked with filling the void left by the absences. Young talents like Alvarado could also step up in this matchup.
The Suns lean on their star trio and home advantage to dominate, while the Pelicans bank on McCollum’s creativity and defensive grit to pull off an upset. The referee crew has yet to be announced but will likely follow the NBA’s standard of seasoned officials assigned closer to game time.
Head-to-Head History and Recent Form
The Suns-Pelicans rivalry has been closely contested, delivering intense games in recent seasons. In their last five meetings in Phoenix, the Suns have won three, establishing a home-edge trend. A standout clash came in April 2024, when the Pelicans topped the Suns 113-105, driven by a stellar Zion Williamson performance. His current absence, however, tilts the scales toward the hosts.
The Suns’ last five games show a mixed bag. They notched wins over the Golden State Warriors (113-105) and Portland Trail Blazers (127-102) but fell to the Denver Nuggets (122-102), Memphis Grizzlies (151-148), and Houston Rockets (114-109). Sitting at 26-26, they hold the 10th spot in the Western Conference with a 50% win rate.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, are mired in a nine-game losing streak as of December 2024. Their last five results include losses to the Golden State Warriors (112-96), Denver Nuggets (132-103), Los Angeles Lakers (118-105), Sacramento Kings (121-108), and Miami Heat (115-100). Languishing at the bottom of the West, they’re desperate for a turnaround against a conference rival.
Predictions and Game Outlook
Analysts peg the Phoenix Suns as the frontrunners for Friday’s clash. The home-court edge, Kevin Durant’s potential return, and the Pelicans’ road struggles bolster Phoenix’s case. Experts forecast a Suns victory by 8 to 12 points, with Devin Booker likely to exceed 25 points, capitalizing on gaps in New Orleans’ defense.
Yet, the Pelicans have CJ McCollum as a wildcard. If he maintains his 20-point average and involves his teammates effectively, an upset isn’t out of the question, particularly if they exploit fast-break opportunities. Anticipation runs high for a fast-paced, high-scoring affair, mirroring their recent head-to-head style.
Variables like the Suns’ fatigue from a grueling schedule and the Pelicans’ hunger to snap their skid could sway the outcome. The Phoenix crowd is expected to amplify the pressure on the visitors from the opening tip.
Season Schedule and NBA Context
This matchup fits into a busy NBA regular-season slate. On Friday, February 28, 2025, other marquee games like Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets will also unfold. For the Suns and Pelicans, this game is pivotal in the Western Conference race, where every win shapes playoff or play-in fates.
Here’s a glimpse at their upcoming schedules:
- Phoenix Suns: Travel to face the Memphis Grizzlies on March 2.
- New Orleans Pelicans: Host the San Antonio Spurs on March 3 at the Smoothie King Center.
- Both teams face key divisional foes in the weeks ahead, heightening the stakes.
As the season progresses, the intensity mounts. The Suns aim for a top-six seed, while the Pelicans fight to climb out of the basement and regain momentum.
Tickets, Venue, and Game Trivia
Fans eager to attend the game at the Footprint Center can purchase tickets through the Suns’ official channels or authorized vendors. Prices start at $30 for upper-level seats and climb into the hundreds for premium spots. With a capacity of 18,422, the arena anticipates a sellout, fueled by the star power of Durant and Booker.
Opened in 1992 and revamped in 2021, the Footprint Center is renowned for its lively vibe and downtown Phoenix location. The city will buzz with basketball fever, with nearby bars and eateries ready to welcome fans pre- and post-game.
A fun fact: Kevin Durant has surpassed 28,000 career points and could pad that milestone against the Pelicans. Plus, the Suns have won their last three home games against New Orleans, boosting local optimism.
Top Scorers and Players to Watch
For the Suns, Devin Booker leads with 27 points per game, followed by Kevin Durant at 26 when healthy. Bradley Beal chips in around 18 points. The Pelicans’ CJ McCollum tops their charts with 20 points per game, stepping up without Williamson (25-point average) and Ingram (22-point average).
Keep an eye on Royce O’Neale (Suns) and Herbert Jones (Pelicans) for their defensive tenacity. The Booker-McCollum matchup could steal the show, with both poised to influence the game’s decisive moments.
The game’s intensity will hinge on each team’s ability to expose the other’s weaknesses. The Suns boast more offensive firepower, but the Pelicans need peak efficiency to compete on the road.