The Indiana Pacers (25-22) go head-to-head against the Phoenix Suns (17-30) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports Midwest – Indiana.
Indiana opened as a 7.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 216 points.
Phoenix Suns vs. Indiana Pacers Betting Prediction
The Suns are trying to rebound after their 109-105 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in their last outing. One of Milwaukee’s largest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 37 free throw attempts, while Phoenix had just 20. T.J. Warren led Phoenix in scoring with 23 points on 11-for-20 shooting.
In the Pacers’ last matchup, they defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 94-86. One of Indiana’s largest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 16-17 (94.1 percent), while the Spurs were just 7-12 (58.3 percent). With 14 points and seven rebounds, Thaddeus Young had a solid game for Indiana.
Indiana could put on a ball-control clinic in this showdown. Indiana ranks fifth in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.1 percent), while Phoenix forces the second-fewest turnovers (12.8 percent).
Phoenix heads into the contest with records of 17-30 straight up (SU) and 23-22-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Suns’ 47 games, 24 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Indiana owns records of 25-22 SU and 26-21 ATS. Games including the Pacers tend to go under the O/U total (59.6 percent).
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Alex Len recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds in the first game, in which the Suns lost 120-97, unable to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 217 points, which was just 2.5 points below the projected point total of 219.5 points. The Pacers’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Suns. Indiana had a rate of 6.0, while Phoenix posted a mark of 11.2.
Phoenix Suns at Indiana Pacers ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Pacers, ATS Winner – Pacers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Phoenix is 14-8-1 ATS with 12 overs and 11 unders.
Indiana is 13-11 ATS at home with 15 unders, 8 overs and 1 push.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Indiana is 15-2 and Phoenix is 5-2.
The Pacers are 21-9 when they score over 100 points, while the Suns are 13-18.
Indiana averages 14.7 fast break points per game, which ranks third in the NBA. Phoenix ranks 29th in fast break points allowed per game (14.3).
The Pacers rank fourth in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Suns rank 29th (8.9).
Indiana ranks fifth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.8) while Phoenix ranks 25th (18.9).
The Suns rank 11th in three pointers allowed per game (27.9) while the Pacers rank 25th (30.8).
Indiana averages 44.1 points in the paint per game, which ranks 13th in the NBA. Phoenix ranks 27th in points allowed in the paint per game (47.4).
The Suns rank eighth in second chance points per game (13.4) while the Pacers rank 18th in second chance points allowed per game (12.8).
Phoenix averages 44.5 rebounds per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Indiana ranks 16th in rebounds allowed per game (42.9).
The Suns average 4.5 blocks per game, which ranks 21st in the NBA. The Pacers rank 25th in blocks allowed per game (5.3).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Phoenix is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Indiana is 3-2 ATS with 5 unders over their last five games.
The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 8.6, up from 6.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Pacers have scored an average of 99.0 points per game (7.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 95.2 points per game (10.1 below their season average).
