Indiana Pacers game preview: Pacers host Phoenix Suns after two teams are involved in trade
The Indiana Pacers and Phoenix Suns battle for the final time of the 2022-23 season tonight. Both teams were involved in a trade on Thursday that netted the Suns Kevin Durant and the Pacers some assets, among many other things.
Phoenix is 7-3 in their last 10 games, which is the best record in the Western Conference and second best in the NBA. The Pacers, meanwhile, are 2-8 in the same stretch as they have fallen in the Eastern Conference standings. The Suns beat the Pacers in late January.
Viewing and Betting Information
Tip off time: 7 p.m. Eastern Time
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Where to watch: NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Indiana/Bally Sports+, Bally Sports Arizona
Spread and Over/Under: The Pacers are slight favorites as they are -2.5 in the SI Sportsbook. The over/under for the game is 230.5.
Pacers vs Suns Injury Report
For the Pacers, wing Kendall Brown and guard Trevelin Queen are listed as questionable as a part of their two-way contracts. It isn't currently known if any of their newly acquired players will be available tonight.
The Suns played last night, so they have not released an injury report yet. They were without Devin Booker, Jae Crowder, Cameron Payne, and Landry Shamet on Thursday. They have a sizable trade pending as well, so a number of players may be unavailable for Phoenix tonight.
Key Matchups
Tyrese Haliburton vs Chris Paul: Tyrese Haliburton is the Pacers All-Star and their premier player. He makes everything happen on offense and is vital to the team's success. He will be huge tonight as he matches up against one of the best point guards ever.
Chris Paul is still an excellent player, even at age 37. He's averaging 13.7 points and 8.7 assists per game and is still a great defender. He and Haliburton will battle all night.
Myles Turner vs Deandre Ayton: Myles Turner signed a contract extension last week, and tonight he will get to go against the center that Indiana tried to sign in the offseason. This could be a fun and epic duel.
Deandre Ayton scored 23 points for Phoenix last night. He's been solid on defense all year as well. The battle down low will be fascinating.
- Why a contract extension made sense for the Indiana Pacers and Myles Turner. CLICK HERE.
- Full trade: Indiana Pacers acquire Jordan Nwora, George Hill, Serge Ibaka, three second-round picks, and cash for draft rights to Juan Pablo Vaulet. CLICK HERE.
- Source: Indiana Pacers to waive forward Terry Taylor. CLICK HERE.
- Daniel Theis debuted for the Indiana Pacers and showed how he can help the team. CLICK HERE.
- Follow AllPacers on Facebook: All Pacers SI
- Follow AllPacers on Twitter: @SIPacers
