The Indiana Pacers (28-16) will travel to Talking Stick Resort Arena to go head-to-head against the Phoenix Suns (18-25). The Pacers opened as 1-point favorites. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 222.5 points and it will air on Fox Sports Midwest – Indiana at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 22, 2020.
Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last matchup. The Pacers (8-point underdogs) were defeated by the Utah Jazz, 118-88, while the Suns (5-point favorites) fell to the San Antonio Spurs, 120-118. The Indiana game finished 10 points under the projected point total of 216, while the Phoenix game went 8 points over the projected point total of 230.
Indiana forced Utah into a turnover percentage of 18.5 (above their season average of 13.1) while Phoenix did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (26-30; 86.7 percent). Phoenix was lifted by Deandre Ayton, who recorded 25 points and 12 rebounds. Myles Turner had a solid performance for Indiana, finishing with 12 points, six steals and five rebounds.
The Pacers dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the last contest, Indiana won 131-97. One of Indiana’s largest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 36 trips to the line, while Phoenix went just 18 times. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Pacers games have no tendency in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Indiana heads into the contest with records of 28-16 straight up (SU) and 23-19-2 against the spread (ATS).
Games featuring the Suns have a tendency to finish over the O/U total (55.8 percent). Further, Phoenix owns records of 18-25 SU and 22-20-1 ATS.
Ball protection could play a key role in this matchup. Indiana commits the fifth-fewest miscues in the NBA (turnover percentage of 12.4 percent), while the pesky defense of Phoenix forces the fourth-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 14.6 percent).
Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns Betting Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Suns, ATS Winner – Suns, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Suns rank 25th in second chance points per game (12.1) while the Pacers rank 26th (11.9).
- Indiana ranks 11th in blocks per game (5.2) while Phoenix ranks 28th (3.8).
- The Suns rank 18th in three pointers attempted per game (32.7) while the Pacers rank last (27.5).
- Indiana ranks 13th in points in the paint per game (48.1) while Phoenix ranks 22nd in points allowed in the paint per game (49.3).
- Phoenix ranks fourth in fast break points allowed per game (11.9) while Indiana ranks eighth (12.1).
- The Suns rank fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.4) while the Pacers rank 22nd (16.3).
- The Pacers rank seventh in assists per game (25.9) while the Suns rank 14th in assists allowed per game (23.8).
- Indiana ranks first in steals allowed per game (6.5) while Phoenix ranks 16th (7.9).
- When holding opponents below 100 points, Phoenix is 5-2 and Indiana is 8-1.
- The Suns are 17-21 when they score more than 100 points, while the Pacers are 28-9.
- Indiana is 12-10 ATS on the road, while Phoenix is 10-13-1 ATS at home.
- The total has gone over in 15 of the Suns’ 24 home games, while 11 of the Pacers’ 22 road games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Pacers are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Suns are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Indiana has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Phoenix has 3 overs and 2 unders.
- During their last five games, the Pacers have scored an average of 104.8 points per game (4.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.6 points per game (0.1 above their season average).
- The Suns have outscored opponents by an average of 4.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Phoenix has lost by an average of 0.5 points.
