8 points, 9 seconds
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8p9s Roundtable: New team, who dis? Paul George returns to Victor Oladipo’s city

By Ben Gibson

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 4: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers before the game against the New York Knicks on December 4, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 4: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers before the game against the New York Knicks on December 4, 2017 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – OCTOBER 25: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder playing defense during a game against the Indiana Pacers at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on October 25, 2017 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Thunder defeated the Pacers 114-96. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Prediction for tonight’s game?

Furr: The believer in me wants to say that the Pacers will continue the Thunder’s woes, and put a real crack in the foundation of this OKC team with a win. The guy who watched PG show up time and again against LeBron is concerned that we might see a vintage Paul George defensive performance that brings things this Pacers team back down to earth.

My gut says the Pacers lose this one, but not because of Paul George. Darren Collison is exactly the type of guard that Russell Westbrook feasts on, and Myles Turner is the type of center that Steven Adams can beast on the offensive glass. I think the Pacers make it competitive, but Dipo struggles against the all world defensive tandem of Paul George and Andre Roberson, and the Pacers struggle to contain Russell Westbrook.

I’ve been wrong about this team all season though — I’m all for being wrong again here. I’m tired of betting against this team, probably the most lovable Pacers team in recent memory. Pacers win a nail biter, and Paul George walks off the court to a chant of “Overrated” from Lance’s crew.

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Hughes: With the way both teams have played lately, I expect a Pacers win. The Pacers have proven that the future is bright even without Paul George, and with the rabid fans behind them, they are going to come out juiced.

I expect to see a good game from Paul George. Perhaps so good that he gives Oladipo trouble, as it wouldn’t be surprising if he guarded Indiana’s new franchise face. Oladipo has been on fire as of late, and he’s going to want to punish Westbrook for turning him into just a role player last season.

Kaspar: Expect nothing less than a shootout. Paul George had this game circled on his calendar for the last five months. George is ready to turn heel and bask in the boos of Pacers fans. Oklahoma City will likely run their offense primarily through PG and try to get him going early because that’s what teams do when a superstar returns to their former franchise. However, the Pacers will extend their win streak to five games come the final buzzer. Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis are just as eager to make the Thunder look silly as PG is the Pacers. The atmosphere will be electric. Any points Victor Oladipo scores on Paul George earns him a heroes reception. Boos will serenade George from his once adoring public. Finally, if Lance Stephenson dunks on Paul George, then Adam Silver must to run on the floor and call the game because Banker’s Life Fieldhouse may crumble from hysterical cheers from Pacers fans. Pacers win by 13.

Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis are just as eager to make the Thunder look silly as PG is the Pacers. — Kevin Kaspar

East: I expect big things from both, honestly, though it is a tough matchup for Oladipo. He is going to be guarded by elite defenders Paul George and Andre Roberson all night, which is an insanely tall task, like Yao Ming tall task. But I still think he finds a way to get other guys open and make this game a good one. As for PG, I think he got all his playing-the-Pacers jitters out of the way in that first game and I also think he has a nice game. Who knows who wins, but these teams are trending in opposite directions. Should be a good one.

Matthes: I expect Oladipo and the Pacers to play hard, and Paul George to either have the best game of the season or completely disappear. OKC needs to rally behind George, because Paul is going to get eviscerated by the fans. If the Thunder don’t step up they might never will. The real wildcard: Lance Stephenson, he’s going to be awesome to watch.

Next: Miller Time Podcast Episode #204: And We Back

Tonight’s game tips-off at 7 p.m. on ESPN.

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