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The Pacers may not be able to repeat the stratospheric level of play they threw at San Antonio on Sunday, but they will have to find a way to play at an elite level again or they can expect another disappointing visit to OKC. Like the Pacers, the Thunder are undefeated on their home court.
The Thunder have all of the size, length and talent to match the Pacers starters 1 thru 5, so execution and effort at both ends should give the Pacers their best chance to find an advantage. OKC's offense gets plenty of plaudits but their defense is running around the middle of the top ten depending on your rating of choice.
While the Pacers are on a back-to-back, they were able to minimize the minutes played for Roy Hibbert and George Hill. Paul George and Lance Stephenson don't count since they are 23 and can run all day, every day. David West is the biggest fatigue rest after playing such a big role along with 34 minutes last night in San Antonio.
Yes, this game reeks of a human nature, house money, unavoidable let down for the Pacers. Fortunately, this team doesn't seem to think that way, except to put it in front of them as another challenge to overcome.
For more on the Thunder, check out Welcome To Loud City. Also, leave your thoughts and observations on the game in the comments.