The OKC Thunder will play their fourth game in Vegas today facing the Indiana Pacers. They enter the day with a record of a single win in their three previous matches. That victory came in the initial contest in Vegas versus the Detroit Pistons.
OKC dropped game two to the New Orleans Pelicans and game three to the Golden State Warriors. The outcome of this match will provide the impetus for where the club will be seeding for their final game of the tournament.
Like the Thunder, the Pacers also sport a 1-2 record. Neither club will be playing in the Summer League championship game even with a victory tonight since five teams are unbeaten. That quintet includes the Celtics, Kings, Timberwolves, Pelicans, and Jazz.
Regardless, Summer League is more about getting these youngsters reps and developing chemistry within the OKC Thunder system.
Details of OKC Thunder versus Indiana Pacers contest in Summer League
Here’s what you need to know in preparation for tonight’s match versus the Pacers.
Time: the teams tip off at 6:00 p.m. EST or 5:00 p.m Central Time
Venue: Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada
Odds: Vegas has the Pacers favored by 5.0 points and an over/under of 164.5
TV: The game will air on ESPN2
Starting Lineups:
Based on their recent games and players who are out these are projected starting lineups for both teams:
OKC Thunder:
- Point Guard: Theo Maledon
- Shooting Guard: Charlie Brown
- Small Forward: Aaron Wiggins
- Power Forward: Jaylen Hoard
- Center: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Indiana Pacers:
- Point Guard: Keifer Sykes
- Shooting Guard: Cassius Stanley
- Small Forward: Chris Duarte
- Power Forward: B.J. Johnson
- Center: Isaiah Jackson
Spotlight Player:
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Thunder Nation has only witnessed top draft pick Josh Giddey for a meager five minutes through three games. Giddey is sidelined with an ankle sprain and not likely to play either of the final two games as OKC will err on the side of caution.
Likewise, the next highest rookie pick Tre Mann is also out having left Vegas to address a personal matter.
Their absence has opened the door for Maledon, Robinson-Earl, and Wiggins to excel. Another pleasant surprise is the play of Rob Edwards who led the team in scoring versus the Warriors on Friday with 23 points.
As for the Pacers keep your eyes on rookie Chris Duarte who led Indiana with 19 points in their victory versus the Blazers. Duarte also registered three rebounds and six assists. Yet it was his four blocks and four steals that had Rick Carlisle likely grinning from ear to ear. He was also a game-high plus 29.