All eyes are on Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, with the series evenly poised at 1-1. The shift to Indiana's Gainbridge Fieldhouse adds another layer of intrigue, and many analysts are focusing on how the Pacers will respond in front of their home crowd. While the Thunder have demonstrated their overall strength throughout the first two games, a compelling case can be made for Indiana coming out strong in the first quarter of Game 3.

One of the primary reasons to anticipate a strong start from the Pacers is the energy boost they'll receive from playing on their home court. Game 3 marks their first opportunity in the series to play in front of their fans, and this can often translate to heightened intensity and focus, especially early in the game. Home teams, regardless of their series standing, frequently display extra "juice and energy" in Game 3s. This initial surge can be crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the contest.

The Pacers will need to find ways to generate easier offense against the Thunder's stifling defense. A key component of this could be increased fast-break opportunities and capitalizing on any missed shots by Oklahoma City early on. Road teams often struggle with their shooting in these Game 3 scenarios, and the Pacers need to exploit that.

A significant factor influencing Indiana's potential for a fast start is the expected urgency from their star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton. After two relatively subdued scoring performances in Oklahoma City, Haliburton is likely to come out with a more aggressive mindset. In Games 1 and 2, Haliburton averaged only 15.5 points, a figure he will certainly be aiming to increase significantly.

If Haliburton can assert himself offensively early, it will open up opportunities for his teammates and create a more dynamic and potent attack. He needs to take the initiative, seek his own shots, and draw defenders to create scoring chances for others.

Several statistics support the idea of the Pacers being a strong play against the spread, particularly in the first quarter. Indiana has demonstrated resilience throughout the playoffs, and their ability to bounce back after setbacks has been a defining characteristic. The +5.5 line has been covered by the Pacers in 17 of their last 20 home games.

The Thunder may be favored, but the Pacers have the potential to win Game 3 outright. Their home record this postseason is 6-2 straight-up and 5-3 against the spread. The moneyline odds give the Pacers a 36% implied win probability, which shouldn't be discounted.

Ultimately, backing the Pacers to have a big first quarter comes down to a confluence of factors: the home-court advantage, the anticipated urgency from Haliburton, and Indiana's track record of strong starts, especially when their backs are against the wall. It's a calculated risk, but one that could pay dividends.