The Phoenix Suns (36 - 33) held off the New Orleans Pelicans (37 - 31) on Thursday at the US Airways Center by a score of 74 - 72. Anthony Davis' absence was certainly apparent Thursday after the rising super star was scratched from the lineup with a sprained ankle suffered during the morning shootaround. As a result, Phoenix's Brandan Wright had free reign of the paint all night, finishing with seven blocks and eight rebounds. Omer Asik's departure due to a calf injury did n't help the Pelicans' cause either as the Suns out - rebounded them by 12. It was a sloppy game on the offensive end as well with neither team shooting above 40 percent from the field. The Suns were able to come away with the win in the end after Tyreke Evans' jumper with time running out did n't fall. These two teams are battling for the final playoff spot in the West and will have a pivotal meeting on April 10 to decide the season series. New Orleans' last two games have been decided by a grand total of three points as they are now a full game behind Oklahoma City in the Western Conference. Asik and Davis were n't the only injured Pelicans on Thursday; Tyreke Evans was noticeably playing through pain in his left ankle, but gritted out 35 minutes of time on the floor. The Pelicans do n't have much time to nurse their wounds with a matchup with the Warriors on the slate for Friday. It's unclear whether Anthony Davis or Omer Asik will be available for that contest. Phoenix finished its five - game homestand with a 3 - 2 mark after getting a big win Thursday. Brandon Knight, Alex Len, and Marcus Thornton were all sidelined with injuries, but Markieff Morriss and Brandan Wright helped the Suns get the win. The Suns will travel to Houston to take on the Rockets on Saturday before kicking off a four - game homestand on Sunday against Dallas. That homestand is critical for the Suns, who will be on the road for seven of its final eight games.
["TeamStat(G,'Suns') has 33 Losses ,has 74 Total points ,has 12 Points in 3rd quarter ,has 12 Turnovers ,has 36 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Pelicans') has 31 Losses ,has 72 Total points ,has 37 Points in 3rd quarter ."]