Thunder Adjust Lineup Ahead of Crucial Game 4 in NBA Finals

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana — The Oklahoma City Thunder are facing a must-win situation as they take on the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals Friday night. The Thunder, who entered the series as favorites, find themselves in a surprising 2-1 deficit.

In response to the challenges, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault has decided to return to a double-big lineup, reintroducing center Isaiah Hartenstein into the starting five. This move comes after Hartenstein sat out the first three games of the series, with Cason Wallace taking his place. Hartenstein, a crucial member of the Thunder’s regular-season success, averaged 11.5 points per game before being sidelined.

“We have a lot of optionality that we draw on, almost nightly,” Daigneault said. “Flexibility and adaptability is our team’s strength.”

The starting lineup for the Thunder now includes MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort, Chet Holmgren, and Hartenstein. This combination has proven effective throughout the playoffs, posting a 12-4 record during the Western Conference playoffs when starting together.

The Thunder have not utilized their tall duo of Hartenstein and Holmgren much in this series, allowing the Pacers to score 50 points in the paint during Game 3, a stark increase from their 34 points in the previous two games.

Game 4 is set for 7:30 p.m. CT at the Paycom Center, and the Thunder aim to avoid falling into a disastrous 3-1 series hole.

“We need to show our resolve and take this game,” Hartenstein said. “We’re ready to fight for every possession.”

As Oklahoma City prepares to make adjustments, fans remain hopeful for a turnaround as they look to even the series.