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The Indiana Pacers will be traveling to the desert to take on the Phoenix Suns Saturday Night. This matchup sees a reeling Pacers team take on the 2nd ranked team in the entire NBA based on standings. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Pacers-Suns prediction and pick.
This Suns team is currently riding a 5-game winning streak. They've gone 8-2 over their last 10 games, averaging 122 points per game on 52% shooting from the field over that span. On the other hand, the Pacers are 3-7 over their last 10 games and 14-22 ATS to date.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Pacers-Suns odds.
NBA Odds: Pacers-Suns Odds
Indian Pacers +6.5 (-105)
Phoenix Suns -6.5 (-115)
Over 221 Points (-112)
Under 221 Points (-108)
Why The Pacers Could Cover The Spread
Let's start this segment with a big sigh of relief. Basketball fans across the world are coming together to celebrate the return of Caris LeVert as he is set to make his Pacers debut tonight. For those who may not remember, Caris was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma which is a form of cancer on his left kidney following the James Harden blockbuster trade that sent Caris to Indy. It will be exciting for all to watch Caris' courageous return.
The Pacers are hoping to have some added energy with LeVert's return tonight. Caris will certainly be eased back into the rotation, but is very capable of bringing some offensive firepower off the bench when called upon. The two key bright spots on this team during 2021 have been Malcolm Brogdon and All-Star Domantas Sabonis. Over the last 10 games for Indy, Brogdon has averaged over 21 points per game and Sabonis has been putting up an easy 20 and 10 on a nightly basis. Look for these two to get into their usual rhythm in this matchup.
Let's take a look at the few positives we have riding in Indy's favor. Over the last 10 matchups between these two teams, the Pacers hold a 7-3 record (6-4 ATS). Now we know this Suns team isn't like it has been in years past, but that's a solid head to head track record in favor of the visitors. This stretch includes a 6-2 record against the spread for the Pacers when traveling to the desert as well.
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Their recent woes haven't been as bad as one might think. Of their past seven losses, the Pacers have only lost one by double-digits, meaning this team is definitely playing a true four quarters of basketball. They've basically played .500 basketball on the road this season and should certainly see an added boost with the debut of Caris LeVert tonight.
Why The Suns Could Cover The Spread
As mentioned in the intro, this is the second best team in the NBA, only trailing the league-pacing Utah Jazz. The Suns have been playing lights out all season and have only begun to hit their stride. It is clear that wherever Chris Paul goes, he's capable of elevating a team to new heights. Sporting a 12-6 record at home and an 11-5 record against teams under .500, we can see why the Suns are giving 6.5 points tonight.
This is a top-10 team in almost all statistical categories on both ends of the floor. Going 5-0 ATS over their last five and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games, the Suns have a resounding answer to the question, “what have you done for me lately?” Over their last five, the Suns would cover this spread four times. In their first matchup earlier this season, the Suns defeated the Pacers 125-117.
The Suns currently have seven players on their roster averaging double figures this season. Just looking at the depth this team has acquired with the talent at the top, the Suns have undoubtedly entered true contender status. This team is a problem! With the Pacers losing a tough one in LA last night and having to come off a back-to-back on the west coast, the Suns definitely have the advantage in every respect tonight.
Final Pacers-Suns Prediction & Pick
I'm riding the hot hand. The Phoenix Suns are the second best team in the league for a reason. They take care of business when they need to. An 11-5 record against teams under .500 proves that this group doesn't take their foot off the gas when playing lesser competition.
I'm excited to see LeVert back on the court, but that won't shy me away from the facts and the truth. The disparity in this matchup is clear. The Pacers won't have what it takes to stick around with the best in the west.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION & PICK FOR Pacers-Suns: 102, 117 (PHX -6.5 -115)
