Germantas Kneita
The Indiana Pacers have continued to upset the odds as they took Game 3 after yet another fourth-quarter flourish. They will now get a chance to put themselves in a commanding position in the series as they play at home, looking to extend their lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder to 3-1. You can see if they can achieve this live on ABC tonight.
You can find all of our NBA Finals picks. But for now check out my Thunder vs Pacers Game 4 SGP below.
Over 225.5 (-110)
While 2 of the 3 games have come in under on the total so far in the NBA Finals, there are signs of encouragement that we should see a high scoring encounter in Game 4. The Oklahoma City Thunder put up just 107 points in Game 3, their lowest scoring effort in 5 games. Despite this, they were efficient scoring from beyond the arc, knocking down 45.5% of their 3-point attempts. It was their most efficient performance of the postseason from out there. The tempo has remained quick, too, with both teams playing at a higher pace than they have been averaging during the postseason so far. Maintaining that should help both teams get enough possessions to help set up a high-scoring game.
Isaiah Hartenstein Under 6.5 rebounds (+105)
Since the Denver Nuggets series, Isaiah Hartenstein has seen his role diminish — now coming off the bench in the NBA Finals. He has had under 20 minutes in 2 of the 3 games so far with Game 3 being his worst performance so far, managing just 4 points and 3 rebounds. It’s not the type of play that inspires confidence that he will see his role increase here. Over the last 8 games he has recorded more than 6 rebounds on just 3 occasions. The Pacers have not been using a traditional center off their bench, with Thomas Bryant seeing just 3 minutes of playing time in Game 3. With Hartenstein not being a dominant scorer in the post, he does not have much use against small ball lineups, especially if he is dragged out to the perimeter defensively. The playing time — or lack thereof — could hinder his ability to get 7 rebounds.
T.J. McConnell Over 0.5 steals (+115)
T.J. McConnell has been a defensive menace so far this series. He has recorded a steal in each of the games during this finals series so far, including an incredible 5 in just 15 minutes of playing time in Game 3. The Thunder lack a natural playmaker off the bench, with Alex Caruso being forced into that role. McConnell has been incredibly aggressive, hounding the ball handlers, picking them up full court and trying to force mistakes in the backcourt. He was successful in picking off several inbounds passes in the process in his last game out and I expect him to keep up this pressure, especially with the success that it brought him. Expect him to record at least 1 steal tonight.
