Thursday night features a matchup of 2 top teams in their respective conferences as the Thunder take on the Pacers. The Thunder lead the all time series 50-37, and the two have split their last 10 meetings head to head.
The Thunder are coming off a 98-89 win on the road against the Utah Jazz on Monday. Last Thursday they beat the Trail Blazers 129-121 on the road, and on Friday they lost to the Clippers on the road 118-110.
The Pacers are coming off a 103-98 win at home against the Knicks on Tuesday. Last Thursday they lost 117-98 to the Bucks, and on Sunday they lost to the 76ers 106-89.
On the season the Thunder are 35-32 ATS, 19-17 ATS on the road, and 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games. On the season the Pacers are 33-34-1 ATS, 20-15 ATS at home, and 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games.
Bovada has the Pacers as 1 point favourites with an O/U total of 222.
The Thunder average 115.2 PPG, 48.1 RPG, 12.3 ORPG, 23.1 APG, 9.8 SPG, 5.2 BPG, and 14.1 TPG. As a team they shoot 45.7% from the field, 71.4% from the free throw line, and 34.5% from 3 point range. Defensively they allow 111.1 PPG, 45.9 RPG, 45.8% shooting from the field, and 34.9% shooting from 3 point range.
They are led by swingman Paul George who averages 28.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, and 2.3 SPG while shooting 44.0% from the field, 83.9% from the free throw line, and 38.8% from 3 point range. Russell Westbrook stuffs the stat sheet with 23.1 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 10.5 APG, and 2.0 SPG while shooting 42.8% from the field, 65.0% from the free throw line, and 28.4% from 3 point range. Steven Adams contributes 14.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 4.8 ORPG, 1.6 SPG, and 0.8 BPG. Dennis Schroder (15.6 PPG/3.6 RPG/4.2 APG/0.9 SPG), Jerami Grant (13.3 PPG/5.1 RPG/0.8 SPG/1.3 BPG/37.6% from 3), Markieff Morris (6.9 PPG/4.2 RPG/34.8% from 3), and Terrance Ferguson (6.7 PPG/1.7 RPG/36.3% from 3) chip in as well.
Key Injuries
F Markieff Morris (neck) – GTD
G Andre Roberson (knee) – out
The Pacers average 108.2 PPG, 43.1 RPG, 9.2 ORPG, 26.0 APG, 8.9 SPG, 5.1 BPG, and 13.8 TPG. As a team they shoot 47.6% from the field, 75.4% from the free throw line, and 37.4% from 3 point range. Defensively they allow 103.9 PPG, 43.5 RPG, 44.8% shooting from the field, and 35.5% shooting from 3 point range.
They are led by Bojan Bogdanovic who averages 17.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.8 APG, and 0.9 SPG while shooting 49.8% from the field, 81.0% from the free throw line, and 42.8% from 3 point range. Domantas Sabonis contributes 14.1 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.8 APG, and 0.7 SPG while shooting 59.8% from the field, 71.8% from the free throw line, and 53.3% from 3 point range. Myles Turner chips in 13.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.9 BPG, and 40.0% shooting from 3. Wesley Matthews (12.6 PPG/2.8 RPG/2.1 APG/1.0 SPG/37.7% from 3), Thaddeus Young (12.5 PPG/6.4 RPG/2.4 APG/1.6 SPG), Darren Collison (11.1 PPG/3.1 RPG/6.0 APG/1.4 SPG/41.4% from 3), and Tyreke Evans (9.9 PPG/2.7 RPG/2.3 APG/0.9 SPG/35.1% from 3) play big minutes as well.
Key Injuries
G Tyreke Evans (personal) – out
G Victor Oladipo (knee) – out
F Alize Johnson (foot) – GTD
This game features conflicting philosophies from both sides. The Thunder are an offensive powerhouse, ranking in the top 5 in points per game. On the other side, the Pacers feature a stalwart defense, allowing the 2nd least points per game and the 5th lowest field goal percentage in the league. We’ve also seen the Pacers weather the loss of Victor Oladipo, who was their unquestioned leader on both ends of the floor.
However, the Thunder are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games an 3-6 straight up in their last 9 games. The Pacers are not terrible offensively, with several players capable of shouldering the load in Oladipo’s place, and the Thunder have not been impressive lately. Roll with the Pacers here, who are 26-9 at home this season.
Final Pick: Indiana Pacers (-1)
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