The Oklahoma City Thunder are facing a tough stretch after losing two consecutive games against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics. The absence of key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams due to injury has made it even more challenging for them to secure victories, especially during their Eastern Conference road trip.
Facing the Indiana Pacers
This evening, Oklahoma City Thunder will be on a collision field with the Indiana Pacers, presently in the sixth round of the Eastern Conference. The Pacers are currently in the tank thanks to the supreme play of the squad’s talented leader, Tyrese Haliburton, who collects 20 points and 11 assists per game on average.
Odds and Expectations
The Thunder are 4.5-point underdogs against the Pacers remaining in the matchup, while the number of total points is set at 235.5 points. In spite of all the hardships and the need to demonstrate the necessary effort and rehabilitation, Oklahoma City is keen to get on with the Western Conference playoffs to go further up the standings with a much-needed victory.
Keys to the Game
The Thunder lost to the workless Pasgers, 121–111, where Jalen Williams did not join them. Although Shai Gilgeous-Alexander produced a magnificent performance with 30 points and 10 assists, the Pacers featured the dominance of Myles Turner, which brought them over the top.
For the Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams being out of lineup again might be a clear concern, but finding ways and possibility to win despite this is important. For example, people like Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren should step in and take on scoring roles if there is a gap in those areas.
3-Point Shooting and Defensive Focus
One of the problems for the Thunder is that their outside shooting, which was bad in their last few games, has been bad in their previous games. The soon-to-be opponent, the Pacers, is a shooting team from behind the arc, and it is of utmost importance for Oklahoma City to be secretive about its perimeter defense to already increase its chances of conceding.
Conclusion
Extremely aware that without a win, they can lose the race for a slot in the playoffs of the Western Conference, the Thunder know the importance of getting a victory over their opponent, the Pacers. Even though injuries are one of the factors that can cause weaknesses, it is not an excuse for Oklahoma to let its last dream go.
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