Phoenix Suns’ lineup shake-up stuns Pacers
The Phoenix Suns are making waves tonight with a significant overhaul to their starting lineup as they face off against the Indiana Pacers. With Mark Williams and Jalen Green sidelined due to injuries, the Suns will deploy a fresh first five: Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, Royce O’Neale, and Nick Richards.
Back-to-Back Challenge
Currently sitting at 7-5, the Suns are on the second night of a back-to-back after a hard-fought victory over the Dallas Mavericks. That win came on the heels of a grueling contest, which adds another layer of intensity to their matchup against the struggling Pacers, who hold a dismal record of 1-10. Indiana’s roster is further depleted, missing key players including Bennedict Mathurin, Obi Toppin, Quenton Jackson, Johnny Furphy, and Kam Jones, alongside their star guard Tyrese Haliburton.
Booker and Allen Shine
Devin Booker enters this game fresh off a standout performance in Dallas, where he notched 26 points and 9 assists—his highest scoring total in the last four outings. Grayson Allen, meanwhile, has been on a scoring spree, following up a record-breaking performance with 23 points and clutch free throws in the Mavericks game. Dillon Brooks continues to make his mark, scoring at least 15 points in his six games thus far, while shooting an impressive 42% from the field this month.
Royce O’Neale has also been a key contributor for the Suns, displaying accuracy from beyond the arc with a career-best 45% shooting percentage. His consistent scoring, with ten or more points in eight of his last nine games, adds an essential element to the Suns’ offensive strategy.
Coaches Weigh In
Suns head coach Jordan Ott discussed the team’s approach in light of Williams’ absence, emphasizing the need for collective effort. “We’re gonna need everyone. I think that’s gonna be my message to the group. We have a plan, obviously, but when you get into these games—second half of a back-to-back against a really good team that’s hungry—we don’t know where our juice is going to come from,” said Ott. “It may come from the 13th man. It may come from the ninth man. You don’t know. We’re going to need everyone tonight.”
On the other side, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the challenges of facing a Suns team that is adapting strategically to the absence of a true point guard in the starting lineup. “It’s become a play-hard league, really the last few years. They’re doing a lot of good things. Jordan’s (Ott) doing a great job with the team. They’re very good metrically in some areas, defensively and offensively, and it really shows, especially over the last seven games, like they’re six and one in their last seven games,” Carlisle remarked. He added, “We know (Devin) Booker can play point. I’ve seen him handle the ball for years. He’s a great player and can do that, but they’re doing it systemically, based on the strengths that they have, which is very smart.”
Game Time
The opening tip is set for just past 7:00 PM MST at the Mortgage Matchup Center, where both teams will aim to make their mark in this pivotal matchup.
