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Stoudemire, Suns set to host Pacers

Jan 9, 2008 - 2:47 PM Indiana (16-20) at Phoenix (24-10) 9:00 pm EST

PHOENIX (Ticker) -- The Phoenix Suns no doubt have the talent to challenge for an NBA title. Chemistry, on the other hand, is always a concern.

The Suns will try to develop some consistency together when they host the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.

After an offseason that featured a trade demand by Shawn Marion, trade rumors surrounding Amare Stoudemire, and the actual trade of popular and rugged center Kurt Thomas, Phoenix has been a bit inconsistent the first third of the season.

Stoudemire skipped practice on Sunday, informing the team via text message. General manager Steve Kerr then had a talk with the entire club before Monday's 137-115 thrashing of the Denver Nuggets.

Marion scored 27 points, matching career highs with five 3-pointers and six blocks to go along with 14 rebounds.

The highest scoring team in the NBA at 110.1 points per game, Phoenix should have no trouble putting points on the board against the Pacers, who surrender 103.8 per game - the fifth worst mark in the league.

Indiana lost for the seventh time in eight games Tuesday, enduring a 111-89 setback to the Utah Jazz.

The Suns picked up a 121-117 win at the Pacers on December 4. Stoudemire scored 42 points and pulled down 13 rebounds while Steve Nash dished out 17 assists.