Indiana Pacers 
The Pacers are 23-15 sitting in the 6th seed in the east. They are technically out of the play-in tournament as of now but they would like to make their position a bit stronger. Detroit is currently in the 5th seed with a record of 23-14, Atlanta is currently in the 7th seed at 22-18, and Washington just behind them in 8th at 21-17. The race to ovoid the play-in is very string right now. The Pacers will look to continue their 3 game winning streak, however it won't be easy, as OKC is a very strong opponent.

Oklahoma City Thunder 
The Thunder have yet to have back to back wins since their 9 game winning streak that ended two weeks ago. However, they are still a force to be concerned with, as they are securely second in the west with a 33-6 record. Not having key players such as Lebron and Kawhi has made them a bit more volition but they will still be a big threat to the Pacers.

The Match-Ups
Center

Jalen Smith vs DeAndre Jordan should be a fun matchup. Jordan is having a nice year and just seems to be doing what needs to be done. He is grabbing rebounds at 11.8 RPG and blocking 2.4 SPG. The team clearly plays well when he is on the court because he is a +15.2. Rookie Jalen Smith will have his hands full but this could be a good time to show the league what he is made of. He is having a decent season. He is a +.9 on the court while averaging 7ppg and 6rpg.

Power Forwards 

Draymond Green vs Robert Covington. This is going to be a fun one because you have two of the more versatile defenders in the league. They can both guard centers and wings at elite levels. Lets start with the Pacers Big man Mr. Covington. He is having a great year. He is hitting 3s at 41% averaging just under a steal and block per game. Green on the other hand is not shooting the ball nearly as well as Robert, but he is a tick higher in his steals and blocks and is overall having a higher impact on the floor with a +16. This will be a fun battle. 

Small Forward 

The Starting Small Forward for both teams are out with injury. Kawhi Leonord and Gordan Hayword both are dealing with foot injuries. This is not ideal because neither team is deep in my opinion at that SF position. I think we could see Danny Green get some run but likely Cody Martin could be the guy for OKC, while the Pacers could use Naji Marshall. 

Shooting Guard

CJ McCollum vs Danny Green. This could be a fun Matchup. Danny Green is not exactly a setting the league on fire this season but he has the size and versatility to make life hard for the human bucket McCollum. Green is still a solid defender when he is locked in and of course can hit the long ball at %53 . CJ on the other hand is not a great defender but he tries hard. However he killing the league with 50% from deep while scoring 37ppg. 

Point Guard

The Point guard story for this game could be pretty one sided. You have a team that will be rolling out at point god in Luka... and a team who is rolling out a receding hairline in Caruso. Though, jokes aside (because my hairline is gone too)... Alex is a good defender who never takes off a play. Luka has the upper hand in this but Caruso is going to make his life hard. Luka is averaging 32ppg and 11 apg.

Who Will Win?
I have then Pacers winning this matchup. OKC is super top heavy but most of thier top guys are out like Lebron, Seth Curry and Kawhi. The Pacers are injured too but in my opinion the guys stepping into those holes are a bit more skilled than what OKC has to offer. The Pacers will get the win and get the much needed separation in the standings.