The Indiana Pacers (23-24) battle the Phoenix Suns (22-24) Saturday. Tip from Footprint Center is set for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Pacers vs. Suns odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Pacers lost to the Denver Nuggets 134-111 Friday, failing to cover as a 6-point road underdog. They have lost 6 straight games and have failed to cover 4 in a row. Indiana is 26-21 against the spread (ATS) on the season. Its strength is offense, ranking 12th in the league in points per game (115.2).
The Suns, on the other hand, beat the Brooklyn Nets 117-112 at home Thursday, covering as a 3.5-point favorite. Phoenix is 23-23 ATS on the season and 3-2 ATS over its last 5 games, trading off between covering and not. Its strength is defense, ranking 9th in the NBA in opponents’ points per game (112.2).
Pacers at Suns odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub Lines last updated at 10 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pacers +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Suns -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pacers +5.5 (-110) | Suns -5.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 229.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Pacers at Suns key injuries
Pacers
- G Tyrese Haliburton (knee) out
Suns
- G Devin Booker (groin) out
- F Cameron Johnson (knee) out
- G Chris Paul (hip) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Pacers at Suns picks and predictions
Prediction
Pacers 118, Suns 114
Moneyline
PASS.
I like Indiana here, but they’re getting too many points and would preferably play the spread.
Against the spread
BET PACERS +5.5 (-110).
Indiana has slumped lately, but it should match up well with Phoenix. For starters, C Myles Turner should be able to neutralize C Deandre Ayton, who will be a key offensive player with Booker out. Turner is averaging 3.6 blocks per game this month.
The Suns rank 22nd in the NBA in opponents’ 3-point shooting (36.4%). The Pacers are a 3-point-heavy team with G Buddy Hield. They rank 6th in 3-point field goal attempts per game.
The Pacers have rewarded bettors this season as they are 26-21 ATS. Despite a recent slump, back the PACERS +5.5 (-110).
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 229.5 (-110).
The Pacers play at the 4th-highest pace in the NBA, and their 3-point shooting should bounce back given the absence of Johnson and Booker. They have gone Over in 4 of their last 6 as well, scoring at least l10 in 3 of their last 5.
The Suns have scored at least 115 in 2 of their last 3 and have gone Over the projected total in 3 straight, topping it in 4 of their last 5 as well. Considering both trends, back the OVER 229.5 (-110).
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