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Momentum is back on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s side – then again, it’s been quite the battle, as neither team has managed to win back-to-back games.

Catch the game tomorrow at 8:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Indiana Pacers (2-2)

Projected starting five:

  • Tyrese Haliburton
  • Andrew Nembhard
  • Aaron Nesmith
  • Pascal Siakam
  • Myles Turner

The Pacers let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers in Game 4, squandering a 10-point lead that could have put them up 3-1 in the series. Instead, they now return to Oklahoma City with the Thunder seizing momentum – and Indiana’s defense struggling to contain MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (35 points, 15 in the 4th). Their offense remains unpredictably potent, but their margin for error has vanished.

Tyrese Haliburton must shake off his inconsistency and take control as the floor general, while Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner need to dominate their matchups to keep pace with OKC’s firepower. The wild card? Ben Mathurin, who followed a stellar Game 3 with a disastrous Game 4, missing critical free throws and committing costly fouls late. If his confidence is rattled, Indiana’s bench scoring takes a major hit. The Pacers must play with desperation because if they lose Game 5, closing out the Thunder in OKC for Game 7 becomes nearly impossible.

HOME: Oklahoma City Thunder (2-2)

Projected starting five:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
  • Luguentz Dort
  • Jalen Williams
  • Chet Holmgren
  • Isaiah Hartenstein

The Thunder flexed their championship DNA in Game 4, because of course they did. The league’s best regular-season team reminded everyone why, erasing a double-digit deficit behind MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch takeover (15 fourth-quarter points) and a supporting cast that finally showed up. Jalen Williams (27 points) looked like the All-Star he is, Chet Holmgren (14 points, 15 rebounds) anchored the paint, while Alex Caruso dropped his second 20-point game of the Finals after not hitting that mark all season.

OKC’s defense locked in late, and their offense hummed when it mattered most. Now, back on their home floor, they have a chance to take full control of the series. If SGA stays unstoppable and the role players keep contributing, the Thunder could be one win away from a title. But they can’t get complacent as Indiana’s dangerously random offense can explode at any moment.

PICKS:

Spread: Thunder (-9.5)

Over/Under: Over (224.5)

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