Pacers vs Thunder: A Clash of Titans in Oklahoma City
The Indiana Pacers (10-35, 15th in the Eastern Conference) are set to face a formidable challenge as they travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (37-8) on Friday at 8 p.m. EST. This matchup pits a struggling Pacers team against one of the NBA’s hottest squads, promising an exciting contest.
Thunder’s Dominance at Home
Oklahoma City boasts an impressive 20-3 record on their home court, making them a particularly tough opponent for visiting teams. Led by the sensational play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are averaging 121.4 points per game and outscoring opponents by a significant 13.6 points. Their recent 122-102 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, fueled by Gilgeous-Alexander’s 40-point performance, demonstrates their offensive firepower. You can find more about the Thunder’s season performance on NBA.com/Thunder.
Pacers’ Road Struggles
In contrast, the Indiana Pacers have found success hard to come by on the road, holding a 2-19 record away from home. They have a 4-28 record against teams with a winning record, highlighting the difficulty they face against top-tier competition. However, they possess offensive capabilities, averaging 109.9 points per game.
Key Statistical Matchups
The Thunder are shooting 49.3% from the field this season, slightly higher than the 48.3% the Pacers allow. Conversely, the Pacers average 109.9 points, 2.1 more than the Thunder typically concede. These statistics suggest a potentially high-scoring affair.
Recent Encounter
This is the second meeting between these two teams this season. In their previous encounter on October 23rd, the Thunder secured a 141-135 overtime victory, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivering a remarkable 55-point performance. Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 36 points in that game.
Top Players to Watch
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): Averaging 32 points and 6.3 assists, Gilgeous-Alexander is the driving force behind the Thunder’s offense.
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder): Holmgren has been consistently contributing, averaging 15.0 points over the last 10 games.
- Jay Huff (Pacers): Shooting 46.9% from the field and averaging 8.6 points, Huff provides a spark off the bench.
- Pascal Siakam (Pacers): Siakam is a key offensive threat, averaging 2.1 made 3-pointers over his last 10 games.
Recent Form
Thunder (Last 10 Games): 7-3, averaging 118.0 points, 40.8 rebounds, 24.1 assists, 9.3 steals, and 7.1 blocks while shooting 48.6% from the field. Opponents have averaged 110.2 points.
Pacers (Last 10 Games): 4-6, averaging 109.2 points, 42.7 rebounds, 29.7 assists, 7.7 steals, and 4.7 blocks while shooting 45.6% from the field. Opponents have averaged 114.9 points.
Injury Report
Thunder Injuries: Ajay Mitchell (day to day – hip), Nikola Topic (out – groin), Jalen Williams (out – thigh), Alex Caruso (day to day – adductor), Jaylin Williams (day to day – glute), Thomas Sorber (out for season – knee), Aaron Wiggins (day to day – groin), Isaiah Hartenstein (day to day – calf).
Pacers Injuries: Quenton Jackson (day to day – ankle), Bennedict Mathurin (day to day – thumb), Obi Toppin (out – foot), Tyrese Haliburton (out for season – achilles).
This story was created using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
