Last Updated: Feb. 6 at 11:30 AM ET
Matchup
The Pacers took care of business when they needed to, accelerating to their longest winning streak of the season — a six-game stretch of sustained success.
But from here, the challenge to keep stacking games in the win column grows significantly tougher, and it starts with a Thunder team on Monday led by Russell Westbrook, who is currently averaging a triple-double as his team continues to hold onto its playoff spot in the Western Conference.
After the Thunder (30-22), it's the Cavaliers (34-15), followed by the Wizards (30-20). The next week, the Pacers get the Cavs and Wizards again, but this time with the Spurs (39-11) thrown in the mix. It's a treacherous stretch to close out their schedule before the All-Star break begins on February 17th, but it should offer Indiana a great test of how its chemistry has grown during its six-game winning streak.
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On Saturday, the Pacers (28-22) received bad news when it was announced that both Rodney Stuckey and Thaddeus Young would be unable to go, each dealing with injuries. But with the bad luck came the good, as Lavoy Allen — starting in place of Thad Young — put forth arguably his best game in a Pacers uniform, scoring 18 points and collecting 11 rebounds to stabilize the starting unit as Indiana cruised to a 21-point win over Detroit.
Before the game, Pacers head coach Nate McMillan said that Young's wrist had no fractures on the MRI, but the swelling was severe. Whether or not he'll be able to go on Monday remains unclear, making the contributions of Allen all the more important.
But against the Thunder, it will take a full team effort to slow down the electric play of Westbrook. During a recent game against the Grizzlies, Westbrook became the first player since Michael Jordan to score the last 12-or-more points of a game (according to Elias), as the MVP candidate carried his team to another victory.
Aside from Westbrook, the Thunder get sizable contributions from shooting guard Victor Oladipo, whom OKC traded for over the offseason. The Indiana University product is second on his team in scoring (16.1) and averages 4.4 rebounds per game as well.
While stopping Westbrook will be mission number one for the Pacers, guarding the Thunder's other weapons will be instrumental in whether or not Indiana can extend its season-best winning streak to seven games.
Projected Starters
Jeff Teague
Paul George
C.J. Miles
Lavoy Allen
Myles Turner
Russell Westbrook
Victor Oladipo
Andre Roberson
Domantas Sabonis
Steven Adams
Pacers: PG - Jeff Teague, SG - Paul George, SF - C.J. Miles, PF - Lavoy Allen, C - Myles Turner
Thunder: PG - Russell Westbrook, SG - Victor Oladipo, SF - Andre Roberson, PF - Domantas Sabonis, C - Steven Adams
Injury Report
Pacers: Rodney Stuckey - questionable (sprained right ankle), Thaddeus Young - out (sprained left wrist)
Thunder: Alex Abrines - questionable (back spasms), Enes Kanter - out (fractured right ulna)
Last Meeting
January 3, 2017: In one of their most impressive wins of the 2016-17 season, the Pacers went into Oklahoma City and escaped with a 115-111 victory in overtime.
The win wasn't impressive solely because of the strength of Indiana's opponent, but because the Blue & Gold was without the services of Paul George, C.J. Miles, and Kevin Seraphin.
In their absence, Jeff Teague picked up the slack, collecting 30 points, nine assits, and six steals, which tied his career high.
In the extra period, the Pacers' defense was up to the task, holding the Thunder to just four points through the first four minutes. Up 110-107 with a little over a minute to play, Teague converted a three-point play to give Indiana a six-point lead as they cruised to the victory.
Noteworthy
- Thunder guard Victor Oladipo played three seasons at Indiana University
- Indiana is looking to sweep the regular season series with Oklahoma City for the first time since the 2008-09 season
- The Thunder have lost three of its last four games at Bankers Life Fieldhouse
Tickets
The Pacers play the second game of a three night homestand at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Monday, Feb. 6 against Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7:00 PM ET. Find Tickets »
Broadcast Information TV & Radio Listings »
TV: FOX Sports Indiana - Chris Denari (play-by-play), Quinn Buckner (analyst), Jeremiah Johnson (sideline reporter/host)
Radio: 93.5 FM/AM 1070 The Fan - Mark Boyle (play-by-play), Slick Leonard (analyst), Pat Boylan (sideline reporter/host)
Please Note: Inside Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Pacers radio broadcasts can be heard on 1080 AM instead of 1070.
Game Night Giveaway
The first 5,000 fans will receive the Pacers tech gloves presented by FOX Sports Indiana.
Home Court Gift Shop Game Night Special
Shadow Hooded Fleece - $25. Game Night Specials can be purchased in the Home Court Gift Shop or any of our souvenir stands located on all levels of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The special is also available online at PacersGear.com until midnight.
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In addition, the southbound lane of Delaware Street from Maryland to just south of the train bridge will be closed for the duration of the construction project.