This time, there will be no Foster! The referee list for the Game 7 of the Finals is announced: 63-year-old Capers will serve as the lead referee.

On June 22, Beijing time, the NBA officially released the referee list for the Game 7 of the Finals. Contrary to what many had speculated, the renowned referee Scott Foster was not included in the list for this decisive matchup. The NBA has assigned Capers as the lead referee, along with Teague and Sean Wright as the other two referees.

The lack of Foster officiating this Game 7 could be a positive development for the Pacers. After all, Foster has officiated a total of 6 Thunder games this season (2 regular season + 4 playoffs), with the Thunder winning all 6 by a total of 124 points, averaging a victory margin of 20.7 points per game.

At 63 years old, Capers has officiated 1,687 regular-season games and 203 playoff games, making him a highly experienced referee. In the regular season this year, Capers officiated 3 Thunder games, with the Thunder winning 2 and losing 1; he also officiated 3 Pacers games, with the Pacers winning 2 and losing 1.

The other two referees for Game 7, Teague officiated 4 Thunder games, with the Thunder winning all 4; he officiated 6 Pacers games, with the Pacers winning only 1 and losing 5. Sean Wright officiated 3 Thunder games, with the Thunder winning all 3; he also officiated 4 Pacers games, with the Pacers winning 2 and losing 2.

In this year's Finals, Capers officiated Game 3, where the Pacers defeated the Thunder 116-107. Teague and Sean Wright officiated Game 4, where the Thunder won against the Pacers 111-104.

Does the absence of Foster in this Game 7 make you more excited? Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts.