In the recent period, the Phoenix Suns have been on a winning streak, whereas the New Orleans Pelicans have been struggling.

The Suns (46-31) are focused on solidifying their position as the number six team in the Western Conference playoffs, while the Pelicans (45-32) are striving to avoid further decline as they head towards the play-in tournament. The two teams will clash in Phoenix on Sunday.

Phoenix has emerged victorious in their last three games and four of their previous five, facing opponents with strong winning records.

On the contrary, New Orleans has faced defeat in four consecutive matches and five out of the last six, notably losing 111-109 at home to San Antonio, the lowest-ranked team in the Western Conference.

During the Pelicans’ losing streak, they suffered a 124-111 defeat at home against the Suns last Monday. Devin Booker was instrumental in the Suns’ victory, scoring 52 points, replicating his performance from a triumph against the Pelicans on January 19.

In their recent 97-87 triumph over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix displayed a balanced scoring display and a robust defense.

“We just keep improving,” Suns coach Frank Vogel said. “We don’t want to be a good defense, we want to be a great defense. Guys have responded. (Center Jusuf Nurkic) has really grown throughout the season as a rim defender, blocking everything that’s coming to the basket, trusting his teammates to go attack.”

In their most recent victory, Phoenix recorded their lowest points conceded this season while restricting the Timberwolves to their lowest score. The Suns capitalized on 19 turnovers by Minnesota, scoring 24 points off them.

“This was one of our best communication games of the season,” Suns guard Grayson Allen said of the defensive effort. “Just great all around.”

Allen contributed 23 points, Durant added 22, Beal scored 14, Booker tallied 13 points and 13 assists, while Nurkic chipped in with 11 points and 15 rebounds. With all five starters making significant contributions, Phoenix took an early 15-point lead and maintained it throughout the game.

The Suns have secured the tie-break advantage over the Pelicans, who were missing their top scorers — Zion Williamson (injured finger) and Brandon Ingram (knee injury) — in their recent game against the Spurs.

Williamson, averaging 22.8 points per game, fully participated in practice on Saturday and remains on a day-to-day evaluation. There is no definitive timeline for the return of Ingram (20.9), who has been absent for two weeks.

“You just have to continue to compete, get back to the basics,” New Orleans guard CJ McCollum said. “I have to play better. I think it just starts with looking within: everybody looking from within, figuring out how you can contribute more and be better and be more efficient and more consistent throughout a 48-minute game.”

Despite leading against San Antonio by 15 points during the first half, New Orleans faced a turnaround in the second half, being outscored 60-48. McCollum, who led the Pelicans with 31 points, could only manage 12 points in the latter half, shooting a mere 5 of 17, including 2 of 7 from behind the arc.

“He missed some easy shots, but we’re asking CJ to do a lot,” New Orleans coach Willie Green said. “He’s been really good with trying to carry the load as much as he can.”

“Teams are going to pressure him, try to take the ball out of his hands and make it difficult on him, and force other guys to have to make plays for us.”