The Indiana Pacers return home tonight for a tough matchup with the surging Oklahoma City Thunder, who haven’t lost since the NBA Cup final on December 17.
Tyrese Haliburton continues to struggle offensively and my Pacers vs. Thunder predictions have OKC’s stout defense shutting the point guard down.
Read more in my NBA picks for Thursday, December 26.
Thunder vs Pacers prediction
My best bet
Tyrese Haliburton Under 17.5 points (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
It’s been a rough campaign for Tyrese Haliburton, who was an All-Star in 2023-24. His numbers have dipped this season, averaging 17.8 points, 8.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds on 35% shooting from 3-point range.
The Indiana Pacers guard is a very good playmaker. But, there’s a lack of consistency when it comes to him putting the rock in the hoop. The 24-year-old has hit the Under in points in three straight appearances, scoring 16,14, and 13, respectively.
In fairness, he was relatively efficient in those games, he just didn’t take a lot of shots. Now, he's up against the top-ranked defensive team in the Association tonight, the Oklahoma City Thunder, who make a living on that end of the floor.
And guess what? OKC held Haliburton to a mere 13 PPG in two meetings last season. I do not expect the Pacers star to do much here. Hammer the Under with confidence.
Thunder vs Pacers same-game parlay
Tyrese Haliburton Under 17.5 points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 2.5 threes
Pacers +5
It’s clear by now that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a different breed. He’s one of the best players in the league and the No. 1 reason the Thunder are seen as a title contender. While his 30.6 PPG is very impressive, his 32.5 total is a little high but made 3-pointers stand out as a quality bet.
SGA just splashed three triples in back-to-back contests, going 3-for-6 against the Wizards and 3 for 9 against the Heat. Although it’s not too often he drains more than two in a single game, the guard has a hot hand right now. The Pacers are also poor at defending the three, allowing opponents to shoot 36% from beyond the arc.
I know what you’re thinking. If Haliburton is going to struggle, how will the Pacers cover? Don’t forget, they still have Pascal Siakam, Benedict Mathurin, and Myles Turner. Indiana tends to play well against the Thunder in recent memory as well, winning three in a row.
While I don’t believe they’re going to beat the Thunder again, who are winners of three straight, there is value in an ATS pick. After all, Indiana is 2-0-0 as a home underdog in 2024-25.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Thunder vs Pacers odds
Thunder vs Pacers live odds
Thunder vs Pacers opening odds
- Spread: Oklahoma City -4.5 (-110) | Indiana +4.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Oklahoma City -185 | Indiana +155
- Over/Under: Over 226.5 (-110) | Under 226.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Thunder vs Pacers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Thunder are brilliant ATS, going 18-8-3
- The Pacers meanwhile are 13-16-1.
- The Over has cashed in six of the last eight meetings.
Thunder vs Pacers trend
The Thunder have only hit the 4Q Game Total Over in 36 of their last 86 games (-20.95 Units / -21% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Pacers.
How to watch Thunder vs Pacers
| Location: | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
| Date: | Thursday, 12-26-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FDSN Oklahoma, FDSN Indiana |
Thunder vs Pacers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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