Why Does Pacers vs. Suns Matter More Than Usual?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Jan 4, 2025 12:13 PM ET

After a slow start to the season, the Indiana Pacers are starting to right the ship, going 7-3 over their last ten games and climbing up the Eastern Conference standings. Out West, the Phoenix Suns are in an opposite situation and have managed to lose seven of their last ten, including a 120-111 loss to the Pacers.

Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, even when healthy, have not lived up to the expectations. Meanwhile, the Pacers seem to have finally found their footing and have recent statement wins over the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat.

Keep it posted to All Pacers for all the latest news, ranging from odds (via FanDuel), injury reports for both teams, and TV information.

Pacers

Aaron Nesmith, ankle (OUT)
James Wiseman, Achilles (OUT)
Isaiah Jackson, Achilles (OUT)

Suns

Bradley Beal, hip (QUESTIONABLE)
Collin Gillespie, anke (OUT)
Royce O'Neale, ankle (OUT)

How to Watch

Time: 7:00 PM EST

Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis, IN)

Channel: FanDuel Sports Network

Streaming: NBA League Pass

Betting Odds

Spread: Pacers -2 (-106)/Suns +2 (-114)

Money line: Pacers (-126)/Suns (+108)

Over/under: 234

If the Pacers win and the Atlanta Hawks lose to the Los Angeles Clippers tonight, Indiana can jump up to the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

As the Pacers continue to find their stride, there is some hope that they can recapture last season's magic in the second half of this year. In the Eastern Conference, seeding matters a bit less than just making the playoffs, as every team aside from the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers have weaknesses, although the Pacers are 2-1 on the season against the Celtics.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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