Two of the highest-scoring teams in the 2023-24 NBA season are going to lock horns this Wednesday, with the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Indiana Pacers. Will the Pacers score a mild upset win? Or, will the Thunder extend their win streak to four games?
Catch this game live on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 8:00 AM, Manila time
Away: Indiana Pacers (36-29/16-16 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Andrew Nembhard
- Aaron Nesmith
- Pascal Siakam
- Myles Turner
The Pacers have been inconsistent since emerging from the All-Star break. They have gone just 5-4 straight up in their last nine outings, though, they have a chance to win back-to-back this Wednesday after beating the Orlando Magic on the road last Monday, 111-97. The Pacers will come into the Thunder game a bit undermanned, with both Benedict Mathurin and Doug McDermott sidelined.
Mathurin is done for the season with a shoulder injury, while the former National College Player of the Year is out with a calf strain. Still, the Pacers are a capable bunch, especially offensively. Indiana remains tops in the league with 122.9 points per game and second in adjusted offensive rating (119.7). Indiana is also one of the best covering teams in games after a day of rest. Under that scenario, the Pacers are 24-16-3 against the spread so far in the 2023-24 NBA regular season.
Home: Oklahoma City Thunder 45-19/26-6 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Josh Giddey
- Luguentz Dort
- Jalen Williams (DTD)
- Chet Holmgren
The Thunder are feeling unstoppable again, and they will look to strike for the fourth game in a row this Wednesday. Oklahoma City showed no mercy on the banged-up Memphis Grizzlies in last Monday’s 124-93 home win. With that victory, the Thunder improved to a stellar 26-6 SU at home this season. By covering the spread in that contest as well, the Thunder are now 22-10 ATS in home games this season.
Oklahoma City is being powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is playing at an MVP level. On the season, the former Kentucky Wildcats star is averaging 31.0 points while shooting 54.6 FG%. Don’t be surprised if SGA and the Thunder rip Indiana’s defense to shreds. The Thunder are third in the league with 120.8 points per game, while the Pacers are arguably the worst defensive team in the NBA with 121.5 points allowed per contest. As for their defense, the Thunder are not too shabby either, ranking sixth overall with 112.2 points allowed per 100 possessions.
PREDICTIONS:
Spread: The Thunder (-7) cover the spread.
Over/Under: The total (241.) hit the Under.
Cecilia Sipes