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Minnesota Timberwolves game preview: Oct. 24 vs Indiana Pacers

By Antoine Bass

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 22: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the winning shot. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 22: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the winning shot. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 21: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball against the Miami Heat on October 21, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 21: Victor Oladipo #4 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball against the Miami Heat on October 21, 2017 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Major Key For Indiana: Pace

The Pacers major key is to focus on not having a high scoring pace for the game. Indiana comes into the game averaging 114 points per game.

That would be great, but they are also giving up 119 points per game to their opponents. Indiana can’t afford to get into a shootout because to put it simply they aren’t able to keep up.

Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers /

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have a lot of bright spots on this roster such as Victor Oladipo and Myles Turner, but they’ve got to teach these young guys a different type of culture.

They must set a tone on defense, and slow down the game. The goal for the Pacers this game is to focus on their half-court set and play with patience and in control. With the Pacers still playing without their stud Myles Turner, they can’t afford to trade baskets with the Timberwolves.

The Wolves are coming off a game-winning shot in Oklahoma City and a head full of momentum. Momentum means confidence, and confidence means players being more aggressive. The last thing the Pacers need to happen is Wiggins, Towns or Jimmy Butler having a great scoring game.

Worst case scenario is that they all have great scoring games and the Pacers need to match up. Indiana just doesn’t have the talent to keep up with Minnesota’s big 3 and they must ensure that they don’t heat up at all.

This is easier said than done, but it is possible. Usually, when you give up 119 points in a game, you don’t win. So, going into this game, the Pacers should realize that they don’t want the game to be high scoring. If the game becomes high scoring, then Indiana may be in for a rude awakening.

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