Phoenix-suns vs Indiana Pacers Picks and Predictions December 19th 2024

Suns and Pacers Battle to Extend Their Winning Streaks

The Phoenix Suns and Indiana Pacers will clash on Thursday night in Phoenix, with both teams looking to continue their respective winning streaks. The Suns aim for their third consecutive victory, while the Pacers are seeking to extend their own streak to three games as they begin a challenging road trip.

Phoenix Suns: Building Momentum

The Suns (12-10) are finding their footing after a rocky stretch that saw them lose 10 of 14 games. Back-to-back wins over the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers have rejuvenated the team as they aim for their second-longest winning streak of the season.

Kevin Durant, a key figure in Phoenix’s success, has returned to form after missing time with injuries. He has averaged 25 points and 7.5 assists in the last two wins. The Suns’ struggles without Durant are well-documented, as they are just 1-9 in games he has missed this season.

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Devin Booker continues to shine, scoring 28 points in Sunday’s 116-109 victory over Portland. However, it was Tyus Jones who stole the spotlight with an efficient 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting, starting in place of the injured Bradley Beal.

Jones has been a revelation in December, averaging 16.8 points while shooting 56.3 percent from the field in six games. His ability to capitalize on the defensive attention drawn by stars like Durant, Booker, and Beal has been crucial:

“With the gravity that KD, Book, and Brad create, everyone else is getting open looks,” Jones said. “So, just being ready to fire ‘em and knock ‘em down.”

Phoenix may also see Beal return to action on Thursday, as he is listed as probable after missing the last two games with a knee issue.

Royce O’Neale has also been a consistent contributor, averaging 16.3 points in December and providing reliable 3-point shooting. Both Jones and O’Neale have stepped up in their roles, as Booker noted:

“They understand that teams are gonna load up on me, Kev, and Brad, and they’re making them pay for it.”

Indiana Pacers: Gaining Confidence

The Pacers (11-9) are riding a wave of momentum after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers (121-107) and New Orleans Pelicans (119-104) in their last two outings. They’re looking to match their season-high three-game winning streak as they kick off a three-game road trip in Phoenix.

Tyrese Haliburton has been the catalyst for Indiana’s success, recording 21 points and 10 assists in the win over New Orleans. Pascal Siakam added 22 points, showcasing the Pacers’ balanced offensive attack.

Indiana’s bench is also improving, with guard Ben Sheppard nearing a return after missing 14 games due to a strained oblique. Sheppard, who averaged 5.8 points and shot 40.4 percent from 3-point range before his injury, participated in practice this week.

“He’s making progress,” head coach Rick Carlisle said. “He’s getting closer and has been able to do things without any setbacks to this point.”

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The Pacers recently added Thomas Bryant, who made his debut against New Orleans. The versatile 6-foot-10 big man contributed seven points and two rebounds in limited minutes and brings additional depth to the frontcourt. Carlisle praised Bryant’s energy and skill set:

“He plays with a great enthusiasm, great energy. A guy who has the ability to stretch the floor and can do damage around the basket is very, very valuable.”

Key Matchup: Suns’ Stars vs. Pacers’ Balanced Attack

The Suns will lean on their star trio of Durant, Booker, and potentially Beal to create mismatches against Indiana’s defense. However, the Pacers’ strength lies in their balanced offense, led by Haliburton’s playmaking and the scoring versatility of players like Siakam and Buddy Hield.

Phoenix’s supporting cast, particularly Jones and O’Neale, will need to maintain their hot shooting to relieve pressure on their stars. Meanwhile, Indiana’s bench contributions and Bryant’s ability to stretch the floor could play a pivotal role.

What’s at Stake

For the Suns, a third straight win would further stabilize their season and help build momentum as they push toward the Western Conference’s upper echelon.

For the Pacers, extending their streak would bolster confidence as they face a tough stretch of five road games in their next six outings.

The Bottom Line

This matchup features contrasting styles: the Suns’ star-driven offense against the Pacers’ balanced, team-oriented approach. With both teams motivated to extend their winning ways, Thursday’s game promises to be a high-energy clash.

Will the Suns continue their resurgence behind Durant and Booker, or will the Pacers’ balanced attack prevail on the road? The battle in Phoenix is set to deliver plenty of drama as both teams fight to keep their streaks alive.