Phoenix is currently fifth in the NBA in scoring with 108.0 points per game. That’s thanks to Devin Booker, T.J. Warren, Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight, all of whom are averaging double-digits in points this season.
Booker has been the most efficient, leading the team with 20.5 points per game on 42.3 percent shooting. But even with the offense thriving, the Suns have ended up on the losing side because of their league-worst defense (116.0 points allowed per game).
In every game this season, the Suns have given up no less than 100 points, including an average of 125.0 points their last three games. And if it’s still not obvious, they ended up losing each game during that stretch while going 1-2 against the spread.
Tonight’s trip to Indiana could be the same story for Phoenix. The Pacers are racking up nearly 110 points per game this year, despite surrendering almost just as much defensively. But the Suns’ defense is far worse, and they don’t have a superstar like Paul George, who can take over any game single-handedly.
Indiana’s starting to make a run. The Pacers have won three of their previous five games (2-3 ATS), including Wednesday night’s 103-93 win over a LeBron James-less Cleveland team.
Four starters scored in double-figures for Indiana, with Paul George and Jeff Teague paving the way with 21 and 20 points, respectively. The defense also took care of business, limiting the Cavs to shoot 40.6 percent from the floor while forcing 18 turnovers, which translated to 23 fast break points for the Pacers.
The Pacers should find themselves on their way to another win as long as they sustain their efforts on both sides of the court. But there is a relatively big chance of an upset here if they can’t win the rebounding battle—an area where Indiana ranks 27th in the league.
