Game 4 of the NBA Finals is this Saturday and the Pacers are looking to go up 3-1 against the #1 seeded Thunder. Can they do it? Here is a preview of the Game 4 action on Saturday morning.<\/p>\n
The Thunder are gearing up for a crucial Game 4 matchup against the Pacers after falling short in Game 3 with a 116-107 loss on the road. Despite holding the league\u2019s best regular season record at 68-14 and sitting atop the Western Conference standings, the Thunder are now trailing in the NBA Finals series and need a strong response to even things up.<\/p>\n
Game 3 saw standout performances from key Thunder players, even in defeat. Jalen Williams led the team with 26 points, along with 6 rebounds and 3 assists, shooting an efficient 50% from the field. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been the heart of Oklahoma City’s offence throughout the postseason, added 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists on 45% shooting. SGA has been dominant this Finals series, averaging over 30 points per game, and the Thunder will be relying heavily on him again in Game 4 to turn the tide.<\/p>\n
However, recent trends don\u2019t paint the rosiest picture for OKC on the road. The Thunder are just 2-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last six games overall and have a poor record when playing in Indiana, going 2-6 straight up (SU) in their last eight road games against the Pacers. Even more concerning, they are 0-8 ATS in their last eight games on the road overall.<\/p>\n
That said, Oklahoma City has shown a strong ability to bounce back. Since early April, the Thunder are a perfect 6-0 after losses, and they\u2019ve maintained that trend through the playoffs, going 5-0 in similar situations. They\u2019ve also won eight straight road games following a loss, which gives hope that this resilient squad can respond under pressure and level the series.<\/p>\n
Indiana are playing with confidence at home, Game 4 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the series. The big question is whether OKC\u2019s bounce-back trend can overpower their shaky road form, or if the Pacers will continue to hold court in Indianapolis.<\/p>\n
The Pacers are riding high heading into Game 4 of the NBA Finals after a solid 116-107 win over the Thunder in Game 3 at home. With the win, the Pacers now hold a 2-1 series lead and are proving they\u2019re more than just underdogs. Bennedict Mathurin had a breakout game, dropping 27 points on a red-hot 75% shooting, while Tyrese Haliburton nearly posted a triple-double with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds on 52.9% shooting. Haliburton has been the heart of this Indiana run, hitting clutch shots (including the game-winner in Game 1) and dishing out 11+ assists in each of his last eight home games against Western Conference teams.<\/p>\n
The Pacers, who finished fourth in the East with a 50-32 record, are playing some of their best basketball at just the right time. They\u2019ve been hot against the spread (ATS), covering in 8 of their last 11 games, and are especially tough at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, going 4-1 ATS in their last five at home. Straight up (SU), they\u2019re 15-5 in their last 20 games and have historically handled OKC well in Indiana, winning 6 of the last 8 meetings there.<\/p>\n
With momentum on their side and the home crowd behind them, the Pacers are looking to take a commanding 3-1 lead \u2014 and the numbers suggest they\u2019ve got every chance to do it.<\/p>\n
Stadium Record<\/strong><\/p>\n Indiana are 17-3 in their last 20 at home and 7-2 in this year’s playoffs. OKC are 2-3 since 2022.<\/p>\n Head to Head Record<\/strong><\/p>\n In the last 10 meetings, the head to head is tied 5-5, but the Pacers hold a 2-1 series advantage in the NBA finals.<\/p>\n Best Bet<\/strong><\/p>\n The Pacers are once again underdogs on their home court after they covered in Game 3. I think they will do it again. They’re now 8-3 ATS in their last 11, 4-1 ATS at home and have won 6 of their last 8 at home against the Thunder. Haliburton is back in form after struggling a bit in the early games of the NBA finals. Siakam is hitting key baskets and the Pacers bench has been impressive.<\/p>\n