Thunder vs. Pacers NBA expert prediction, pick and odds for Friday, April 5 (Pacers primed for win)

The Indiana Pacers are back in the No. 6 spot after the Miami Heat lost on Thursday night, but both teams are in action on Friday, meaning the Pacers really need a win to hold onto that in the standings.

Things won’t be easy against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday, but the Pacers are catching a break with the Thunder listed All-NBA guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as out for this game and rising star Jalen Williams as doubtful.

These teams played back on March 12 with Indiana winning on the road by 10 points, but can the Pacers keep that momentum when favored at home?

OKC is just 1-4 when Gilgeous-Alexander sits this season, so it may have a tough time covering the spread on Friday.

Here’s a look at the latest odds and my best bet for this matchup: 

Thunder vs. Pacers odds, spread and total

Thunder vs. Pacers how to watch

• Friday, April 5
• Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
• Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
• How to watch (TV): Bally Sports Oklahoma, Bally Sports Indiana
• Thunder record: 52-24
• Pacers record: 43-34

Thunder vs. Pacers injury reports

Thunder injury report

• Ousmane Dieng – out
• Adam Flagler – out
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – out
• Jalen Williams – doubtful
• Olivier Sarr – out
• Keyontae Johnson – out

Pacers injury report

• Quenton Jackson – questionable
• Bennedict Mathurin – out
• Oscar Tshiebwe – questionable
• Myles Turner – questionable
• Isaiah Wong – questionable

Thunder vs. Pacers key players to watch

Oklahoma City Thunder

Josh Giddey: A former lottery pick, Giddey is starting to find his game for the Thunder after taking a bit of a step back in the 2023-24 season. Since March 24, Giddey is averaging 20.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. He could have a massive role if Williams and SGA both sit in this one. 

Indiana Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton: An All-Star starter this season, Haliburton has picked up his play in recent weeks after a brutal showing right out of the All-Star break shooting the ball. Since March 20, the Pacers star is averaging 20.5 points and 9.3 assists per game while shooting 48.0 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from 3. 

Thunder vs. Pacers prediction and pick

Oklahoma City has struggled when SGA sits this season, and the team is likely going to be without Williams tonight too, leaving it with very little offense to keep up with one of the best offensive teams in the NBA.

The Pacers are No. 2 in the league in offensive rating and pace, and OKC struggled to score against Boston without both players on Wednesday night. 

The Thunder are also vulnerable on the road when it comes to covering the number, going 19-19-1 ATS.

The Pacers’ last two home games have resulted in double-digit wins, and the team should have all hands on deck to avoid falling back into the play-in tournament field in the East. As good as the Thunder have been this season, don’t trust them without their two top guns. 

Pick: Pacers -5.5 (-110)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.