The Indiana Pacers will face the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at Footprint Center. This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season. The Pacers have not been playing well since Tyrese Haliburton suffered a hamstring injury on January 8 against the Boston Celtics. He returned on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers, but his status against the Suns is questionable.
While Indiana has been struggling, the Suns have been performing brilliantly, winning their last four games. They continue to gain momentum as their star players are getting healthy. Devin Booker can be a problem for the Pacers, who smashed 52 points against the New Orleans Pelicans two days ago.
Haliburton’s availability will be the Pacers’ biggest concern ahead of the game against the Suns. He scored 21 points in 35 minutes against the Blazers, but he surprisingly lagged behind and made only six of 14 shots. If he is sidelined or not fully healthy, they will be in big trouble against Phoenix.
Preview
Myles Turner, Benedict Mathurin and Buddy Hield will need to remain aggressive, whether Tyrese Haliburton plays or not. Turner had a team-high 29 points and 12 rebounds in the defeat against the Blazers. Indiana will need to be aggressive against the Suns. They should be even better on offense with the addition of Pascal Siakam. Booker was in great form in the last game and if he brings the same form in the upcoming game, the Pacers can get into big trouble. If Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are also available, Indiana’s defense will be given a tough test.
Starting lineup
If Tyrese Haliburton is not cleared for the next game, TJ McConnell will start the game for the Pacers along with Pascal Siakam, Buddy Hield, Myles Turner and Aaron Nesmith. The Suns will most likely start with Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Jusuf Nurkic and Grayson Allen.
Also Read: Blazers vs. LA Lakers: Preview & Prediction (Jan 21, 2024)
Prediction
Tyrese Haliburton still may not be 100% healthy. The Suns are currently in amazing form, which makes them favorites to win the upcoming contest. Phoenix are expected to continue their winning streak and beat the Pacers against the spread. Oddsmakers have predicted the combined total to go under.
