Phoenix Suns-New Orleans Pelicans Game 6 time announced

The Phoenix Suns will head back to New Orleans to face the Pelicans in what could be a series-deciding Game 6 on Thursday night.

The NBA announced Monday that Game 6 would be set for a 4:30 p.m. start Arizona time from Smoothie King Center if Miami eliminated Atlanta in Game 5. The Heat beat the Hawks 97-94 on Tuesday.

The Suns lead the Pelicans 3-2 following Tuesday night’s 112-97 win in Game 5 after splitting the first four games in Phoenix and New Orleans.

Phoenix had the better regular-season record by 28 games and won three of four against New Orleans before this series.

The Suns have had to navigate the past three games without All-Star guard Devin Booker, whose presence was missed in Game 4 on Sunday as the Pelicans won 118-103.

New Orleans found ways to bother Suns point guard Chris Paul — who scored only four points — and won the rebound battle while hitting 32 free throws to Phoenix’s 10.

The Suns’ series is one of three in the Western Conference to reach 2-2 along with the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz vs. Dallas Mavericks.

If Phoenix advances, it will face the winner of Jazz-Mavericks in the second round, and Game 6 of that series is set for Thursday at 7 p.m., with Dallas currently leading 3-2.

Games 6 will air on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station.

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