Pacers hope to regain momentum against Suns
SCOUTING THE PACERS: The Pacers (26-31) have hit a flat spot since starting strong under Frank Vogel and with two left in a four-game homestand before a brutal March stretch that brings 10 of 13 on the road, they need to regain their momentum. Indiana has lost three of five, including a frustrating 95-84 loss to a struggling Utah team Friday night. The Jazz had lost five in a row but dominated the Pacers inside behind Al Jefferson (30) and Paul Millsap (23). Indiana shot just 35 percent overall and posted its lowest point total in two months against Utah. Phoenix doesn't offer the same kind of physical low-post presence but power forward Channing Frye hurt the Pacers for 29 points on 11-of-16 shooting, including 5-of-8 from the 3-point line, in the Suns' 105-97 home win over Indiana on Dec. 3. Known as a 3-point shooting team under former coach Jim O'Brien, the Pacers have struggled mightily from the arc of late, going 8-of-47 (.170) in their last three games, making a season-low two (in 14 attempts) against the Jazz. Reserves A.J. Price (0-of-12 in his last four) and Paul George (5-of-28 in his last 11) have slumped from long range.
SCOUTING THE SUNS: Another team with a revamped roster since the last meeting, Phoenix now features in-season acquisitions Vince Carter (14.0 points with the Suns), Marcin Gortat (11.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, .569 shooting) and Mickael Pietrus (7.3 points), and have gone 16-11 with all three on the active roster. The Suns (29-27) started a six-game road trip with a 110-92 victory in Toronto Friday night as Carter hurt his former team with 11 of his 17 in the fourth quarter. Phoenix overcame a 12-point first-half deficit to beat the Pacers in December, holding Indiana to 38 points in the second half and limiting Danny Granger to 2-of-13 shooting. The Suns have won nine of 11 from the Pacers.
QUOTE MARKS: "We must regroup and get ready to go Sunday. We must move on. This is the NBA.” -- Pacers forward Josh McRoberts
INJURY REPORT: For the Pacers, Mike Dunleavy (left thumb surgery) is out. For the Suns, Gani Lawal (right knee) is out.
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BROADCAST INFO: The game will not be televised locally. The radio broadcast is anchored by the flagship of the Pacers' network, WIBC 93 FM, featuring Mark Boyle and Bob "Slick" Leonard, with Kevin Lee reporting.
INTERACT: You can chat with other fans around the country in our live game chat, which begins at tipoff.