Good afternoon Forum,
Nice break to let this particular series simmer before making hasty decisions.
OKC opened at -9 and currently at -9.5 and -10 recently.
X's and O's
NO doubt OKC is the favorite to win and play with a chip on their shoulders. OKC has the most DD wins in the playoffs and regular season. The Thunder has established themselves as the dominant favorite.
However, I am going to use the Denver season series as a litmus test against these great numbers. Indy lost a b2b against Denver at home after playing a playoff bound Clippers team which were getting in a little grove at the time. Indy beat Denver on the road at the height of playoff seeding. Indy has definitely got better defensively moving up to top 7 defensive effeciency in from 16th regular season. They started the press defense at about mid January and it's paid off with wins.
OKC allows and average of 106.2 in the playoffs. Indy scored 112.5 average during the regular 2 game series against the Thunder. I expect Indy to push the ball and score in transition. It may be a little tougher against the Thunder(#1 defensive transition points allowed). The over/under number is about spot on at 230. I have 229. For Indy to cover tonight I expect them to run, play pressure defense to mix it up, and transision scores after made baskets.
For OKC to cover they have to limit Pacers scoring with lots of help defense on the guards and keep Indy in half court offense. OKC is great at playing a 2nd defender in the frontcourt and backcourt if the ball moves too slow. Indy needs to be precise quick passes and shoot open shots. DO not give time for OKC to switch on defense.
Just to keep things in context, OKC won a 7 game series against Denver but covered only 2 games.
I expect Indy to play Pacer basketball tonight and cover the number.
+10 5x
BOL all
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