Pacers vs Thunder Free Pick, NBA Free Pick & Predictions 1/23/25

J.A. Cavalier
Jan 23
2 min read

NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS

Pacers vs Thunder Free Pick

The Indiana Pacers head to the Paycom Center tonight for a daunting matchup against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, and the numbers paint a stark picture. Oklahoma City enters at 37–8 with the best record in the Western Conference and the highest point differential in the NBA, firmly establishing itself as the league’s most dominant team on a night-to-night basis.

Indiana, meanwhile, continues to search for answers. The Pacers arrive at 10–35, riding a three-game losing streak and struggling mightily away from home. Their 2–19 road record underscores just how difficult it has been for them to compete outside their own building, particularly against elite opponents.

From an analytical standpoint, this matchup highlights a massive gap in efficiency, consistency, and execution. Oklahoma City thrives on both ends of the floor, pairing elite scoring margins with disciplined defense and relentless pressure. Indiana’s recent form and road inefficiency leave little margin for error against a Thunder team that regularly turns small advantages into decisive runs.

If Oklahoma City dictates tempo early, this game has the potential to separate quickly. With championship-level structure, depth, and momentum, the Thunder are well-positioned to reinforce their dominance and take full advantage of a Pacers team still searching for stability.

Do you want more NBA free picks from J.A. Cavalier?!

FREE PICK Under 228

Oklahoma City is the ultimate buzzkill. They’ve got the number-one defense, force the highest halfcourt rate in the league, and completely shut down transition. Indiana’s offense is dead last in efficiency, and now they’re facing a Thunder unit that erases shots at the rim and in the midrange. Public sees a big number and thinks points; sharps see suffocation and clock-draining basketball. This one’s not explosive—it’s oppressive, and that’s perfect for the Under.