Joralexray Garcia
Two teams that are still fighting for a spot in their respective conference’s Play-in tournament will face each other in this Thunder vs Pacers matchup, which could be a crucial clash for both teams’ ambitions.
These teams faced each other last January 18th, in a game that the Thunder dominated from start to finish, taking a 106-126 victory. However, now playing at home, the Pacers will be determined to turn things around.
Without further ado, at JefeBet, we bring you the best analysis of the different games of the best basketball league in the world along with their respective predictions. We will provide you with the best sports betting content, so here is our prediction for the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers game.
Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers NBA Regular Season Game on March 31, 2023
- Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
- When: Friday, March 31, 2023, 7:00 PM ET
Betting on the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Regular Season Record: 38-39
Despite its ups and downs, the Thunder team finds itself in a fierce battle in the middle of the Western Conference, where the fourth and eleventh place teams are separated by just four games. Currently occupying the tenth spot in the standings, the Thunder knows it must maintain an almost perfect pace if it wants to make it to the playoffs after along time.
However, going on the road again will not help the team get closer to its goals, as it has a record of 15 wins and 23 losses away and has lost three of its last five games in such condition, scoring 111 points or fewer in each defeat.
Scoring that amount of points has been unusual for the Thunder this season, since it is the fifth-best offensive team in the NBA, averaging 117.6 points per game. Moreover, the team has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a talented player who ranks among the league’s top scorers with around 31.2 points per game(although he has missed the Thunder’s last two games due to injury).
Betting on the Indiana Pacers
- Regular Season Record: 33-44
The Pacers have a much tougher road ahead than their opponents, as they sit just three games away from the play-in spots in the Eastern Conference. With the regular season winding down and their inconsistent performance, closing that gap seems like a nearly impossible thing to do.
However, being at home could provide the team with some much-needed confidence heading into this matchup. Gainbridge Fieldhouse has been their stronghold, where they’ve recorded 19 of their 33 victories and averaged 118.2 points per game.
That being said, the Pacers’ Buddy Hield, Chris Duarte, Tyrese Haliburton, and Myles Turner re still not confirmed for this game, and all missed their game against the Milwaukee Bucks last Wednesday. Hield, Haliburton and Turner are also the Pacers’ top scorers, and their absence is the reason of concern.
JefeBet Prediction
Despite the Pacers having their best home record this season, defensively they have also had many problems, allowing an average of 118.5 points per game, something that the Thunder will know how to take advantage of with their effective attack.
While the visiting team are also usually permissive on their side of the court, the absences of Haliburton, Turner, and Hield could give the Thunder the opportunity to perform better in that aspect. In fact, even if they return, they won’t be at their best.
So, on this occasion, we expect the Thunder to take advantage of the struggling Pacers, dominate with their good offense, and take a resounding victory in this matchup.
Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder spread (OKC 124-116 IND).
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