Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Prediction, Odds and Picks for Thursday, 12/26/24

The 81-points scored in the NBA Cup final has woken up the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are 3-0 SU after that loss to Milwaukee. Their 11-3 SU road record will be tested in Indiana on Thursday, though. The Thunder have had a surprisingly poor record in head-to-head meetings vs the Pacers, winning just 2 of the last 10 games. In games played in Indiana, OKC is just 1-5 SU in the last 6 meetings, with their last win being in the 2021-22 season. They’ll have to do without Alex Caruso on Thursday, as he is ruled out with a hip injury. Despite that news, they’re still 5.5 point favorites in this game.

The Pacers have weathered the storm with a 5-game win streak, which has improved them to 15-15 on the season. They come back home from a demanding 3-game West coast road trip, in which they beat Phoenix, Sacramento and Golden State by an average of 14 points per game. Ball distribution has been one of the key factors for this win streak. Indy has assisted on over 72% of baskets scored, which ranks them 2nd only to the San Antonio Spurs. Tyrese Haliburton deserves a lot of praise for his play, as he’s recorded 10+ dimes in 4 of his last 5 games.

A lot will depend on how the Thunder defend Haliburton. Caruso being out of the line-up makes this assignment a lot tougher for them. Haliburton is averaging 12.2 assists per game in the last 5 meetings, and I feel like the Pacers are in a good mood after those 3 big road wins. They are a reliable 8-4 SU in 12 home games, so I say we back them to cover as home underdogs here.

Thunder vs Pacers Predictions: Pacers +5.5 is available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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