The Oklahoma City Thunder will be heading to face off with the Indiana Pacers tonight. With the Thunder battling for a playoff spot in the West, each passing game is monumental for their ambitions. Despite dropping off late in the season, they are not far off from getting back up. However, the Pacers are also trying to salvage a spot in the postseason, barely making it into the play-in tournament.
Nonetheless, with the last games in the regular season, each team will give a final push to make things work. The Thunder are right behind the Lakers at 10th seed, who are also having a last dish effort for a playoff spot. Despite the teams battling injuries and absences, they are making something out of nothing at the moment. Nonetheless, a win for both teams will be beneficial.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is out for the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers game
The Thunder have relied heavily on their guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 31.3 points per game. He has been a real inspiration for the team, and leading them single-handedly. However, Shai has missed the last two games for the Thunder and is likely to sit out once again tonight. Shai is listed as out for tonight’s game against the Pacers with a knee injury.
NBA FRIDAY SLATE UPDATE: Kawhi Leonard is questionable and headlines the early injury report for tomorrow’s #NBA slate on #DraftKings.
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— DK Nation (@dklive) March 31, 2023
The Pacers on the other hand are in serious trouble as both their best players this season are ruled out for tonight. This leaves them with a short-handed team, with a lot on their hands against the Thunder. Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner have been instrumental this season for the Pacers. This leaves Buddy Hield as their next-best player. Let’s take a look at the complete injury report and expected roster of both teams.
Oklahoma City Thunder injury report
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Out)
- Lindy Water III (Out)
- Kenrich Williams (Out)
- Chet Holmgren (Out)
Oklahoma City Thunder expected roster
- Luguentz Dort
- Jalen Williams
- Jaylin Williams
- Josh Giddey
- Isaiah Joe
Indiana Pacers injury report
- Tyrese Haliburton (Out)
- Myles Turner (Out)
- Chris Duarte (Out)
- Kendall Brown (Out)
Indiana Pacers expected roster
- Jordan Nwora
- Aaron Nesmith
- Isaiah Jackson
- Bennedict Mathurin
- Andrew Nembhard
The Oklahoma City Thunder will win against the Indiana Pacers
Going into the game the Pacers look like a team who are significantly held back due to injuries. With a 4-game losing streak, the morale of the Pacers will be low, however, much will be required from them. As for the Thunder, they are still capable to go the distance in this game without their talisman. Their win against the Pistons showed character in the closing stages of the game.
The Pacers are coming from a tiring game against the Bucks who were the eventual winners. Nonetheless, it looks as though the Thunder will look to replicate the result when they met in January. We are predicting the Thunder to take the win tonight.