Indiana Pacers game preview: Pacers look to end losing streak in Oklahoma City

Two of the extra shocking groups within the NBA this season, the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, will sq. off for the primary time of the 2022-23 NBA marketing campaign tonight.

The Thunder are taking part in properly proper now and have received six out of their final eight video games to enhance to 21-23. The Pacers are on a season-long four-game dropping streak and are 23-22.

In response to the NBA, this duel will function a season-high six Canadian gamers.

Viewing and Betting Data

Tip off time: 8 p.m. Jap Time

Location: Paycom Middle, Oklahoma Metropolis, Oklahoma

The place to observe: NBA League Go, Bally Sports activities Indiana/Bally Sports activities+, Bally Sports activities Oklahoma

Unfold and Over/Beneath: The Pacers are underdogs as they’re +4.5 within the SI Sportsbook. The over/below for the sport is 239.5.

Pacers vs Thunder Damage Report

For the Pacers, guard Tyrese Haliburton (left knee and left elbow), heart Daniel Theis (proper knee) and wing Kendall Brown (proper tibia) are out. Trevelin Queen could also be within the G League as part of his two-way contract.

For the Thunder, Ousmane Dieng, Chet Holmgren, Eugene Omoruyi,  Aleksej Pokusevski, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, and Lindy Waters III are out.

Key Matchups

Andrew Nembhard vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is prone to turn out to be a first-time NBA All-Star this season. He has been sensible for the Thunder and is averaging 30.7 factors per recreation, he is without doubt one of the finest rim attackers within the league.

Defending him is nearly not possible. He’s artful across the rim and has super footwork. Andrew Nembhard, together with Aaron Nesmith at instances, should be on their A-game defensively to decelerate Oklahoma Metropolis’s chief.

Bennedict Mathurin vs Josh Giddey: Josh Giddey has been on hearth lately. He’s averaging 20.3 factors per recreation in his final 10 video games whereas additionally including 7.8 rebounds and 6.1 assists per recreation in the identical span. His surge has coincided with the Thunder taking part in their finest basketball.

His measurement makes him tough to defend, so Pacers rookie Bennedict Mathurin might want to depend on his body defensively. The Indiana guard has moved into the beginning lineup in latest video games and is averaging 18 factors per recreation since. That degree of manufacturing can be required tonight.

• Tyrese Haliburton suffers left knee bone contusion and left elbow sprain, can be out at the very least two weeks for the Indiana Pacers. CLICK HERE.
• Report: Goga Bitadze is the ‘more than likely’ Indiana Pacers massive man to be traded this season. CLICK HERE.
• Oshae Brissett has contract turn out to be totally assured, not waived by the Indiana Pacers earlier than the assure deadline. CLICK HERE.
• Indiana Pacers wing Chris Duarte breaks out of droop vs Memphis Grizzlies: ‘I wanted it.’ CLICK HERE.
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