Thunder Gameday: Taking on Pacers During Final Play-In Push

Oklahoma City will be in Indiana tonight looking for a much needed victory.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a great spot late in the season, a full game over the Dallas Mavericks for the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference and owning the tiebreaker. If they’re able to get just a few more wins over the next five contests, there’s a good chance they’ll make the play-in.

The next test for Oklahoma City will be against the Pacers in Indiana. While the Thunder haven’t been as good away from Paycom Center this season, they’ll need to make the necessary adjustments tonight.

What needs to happen for the Thunder to continue to increase their chance of making the postseason?

Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 3.5-point underdogs to the Pacers, and the total over/under is 235.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Entering today, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is listed as out on the injury report as he’s still dealing with an ankle injury. If he doesn’t play, it will be his third-straight game to miss during this crucial stretch.

Even without Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have proven these past two games that they have the offensive firepower to still be extremely competitive. Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort and Isaiah Joe are each capable of scoring 30 points in a game like this.

What’s more important in this contest is defense, as Oklahoma City plays its best when the focus is on that end of the court. Indiana has several players with the 3-point shooting upside to absolutely torch teams on any given night. Defending the perimeter will be a key for the Thunder in this one.

After this game, OKC will only have four remaining, all against teams either in the postseason picture or within reach.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (38-39) vs. Indiana Pacers (33-44)

WHEN:

Friday, March 31, 2023 at 6:00 PM CT

LOCATION:

Gainbridge Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, IN

TV/RADIO:

Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

FINAL WORD:

Following this contest, the Thunder will head back home for a quick game against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Pacers travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers.

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