Game Preview: Suns aim for redemption in rematch with the Pacers

The Suns kick off a three-game East Coast swing in Indiana, looking to regain some momentum.

Who: Phoenix Suns (15-17) @ Indiana Pacers (17-18)

When: 5:00pm Arizona Time

Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse — Indianapolis, Indiana

Watch: AZFamily, Suns Live

Listen: KMVP 98.7

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The games roll on as the Phoenix Suns travel to Indiana to face the Pacers. Heading into this East Coast road trip, the Suns have been plagued by errors and misfortune on the court. However, it seems the Suns are nearing full strength after this three-game road trip. If they can secure a couple of wins and return to full health, there might be a path forward to get things back on track.

Or perhaps they just aren’t good enough, and there’s no hope. Right now, even former Phoenix Sun Charles Barkley is calling the team out, saying, “They stink.”

But that’s for Barkley and the rest of us to say and think—not for the Suns to worry about. Tonight, even though in the past we might have dismissed an Eastern Conference opponent as an easy win, this Pacers team has won seven of their last ten games and has turned things around in Indiana.

That’s something the Suns need to take seriously. With 50 games left in the season, there’s plenty of time to get their act together and look ahead to a brighter future.

Then again, they might just stink for 50 more games.

Probable Starters

Injury Report

Suns

• Royce O’Neale — OUT (Ankle Sprain)
• Bradley Beal — DAY-TO-DAY (Hip)
• Jusuf Nurkic — OUT (Suspension)
• Collin Gillespie — OUT (Right Ankle Fracture)

Pacers

• Aaron Nesmith — OUT (Ankle)
• Isaiah Jackson — OUT (Torn Achilles)
• James Wiseman — OUT (Torn Achilles)

Uniform Matchup

What to Watch For

The Bench

In and out of the lineup, most of the Suns’ players still can’t find their footing within this rotation. Currently, they rank 25th in the league in bench scoring—a glaring weakness that needs addressing. Whoever is coming off the bench must step up and provide consistent production to give the starters some relief and keep the team competitive.

The lack of contribution from the bench has put even more pressure on the Suns’ starting five, who are already dealing with injuries and inconsistencies. Depth has always been a key to success in the grueling NBA season, and without reliable bench play, the Suns will continue to struggle in critical stretches of games.

With 50 games left, there is still time to recalibrate the rotation and find a spark off the bench. Whether it’s through internal development, a strategic trade, or a change in strategy, the Suns need to find answers fast. A deep bench could be the difference between clawing back into contention or fading into mediocrity.

On the other side of the ball, the Pacers excel in bench production, particularly when it comes to scoring. Ranked 10th in the league with 37.8 points per game off the bench, the Pacers have the depth to get out to a fast start and the personnel to close games effectively.

In their last matchup, the Pacers’ bench contributed 28 points, complementing the 29 points they scored off turnovers. That combination was enough to secure a victory over the Suns in Phoenix on December 19th. With their well-rounded offensive approach and a productive second unit, the Pacers present a formidable challenge for any opponent.

Return of Halliburton

I mentioned earlier that the Pacers have won seven of their last ten games, and much of their recent success can be attributed to Tyrese Haliburton returning to last year’s form. His playmaking, scoring, and leadership have been the driving force behind the Pacers’ resurgence, setting the tone for the team on both ends of the floor.

Haliburton’s ability to control the tempo and involve his teammates has been critical, especially in tight games. His resurgence has not only elevated his own performance but has also inspired the rest of the roster, making the Pacers a team that cannot be taken lightly.

Averaging 20 points and a little over 10 assists per game last season, it’s clear that Haliburton has rediscovered his rhythm after a slow start this year. His ability to score and facilitate at such a high level has been instrumental in the Pacers’ recent success.

Scary for the Suns!

Prediction

The Suns lose until further notice.

Pacers 120, Suns 111