Pacers vs Thunder NBA Finals Game 1 Predictions, Props, & Picks
John Canady
Host · Writer
The Indiana Pacers are set for a Thursday showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Indiana fought through a gauntlet of Eastern Conference teams to punch its ticket to the NBA Finals and is looking to continue to silence the critics as the underdogs again. To do that, they’ll have to go through an OKC team that many have picked from day one to hold the Larry O’Brien trophy at the end of the season. Nonetheless, expect a dogfight in a battle between two teams looking to win their franchises’ first championship.
Pacers vs Thunder
- Location: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, OK)
- Where to Watch: ABC
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Spread: Thunder -9.5 | Total: 230.5
- Moneyline: Thunder -430 | Pacers +340
Please be aware that betting odds may change after the publication of this article.
Pacers vs. Thunder Best Bet: Pacers +9.5
The Pacers enter this matchup facing the odds like they’ve done all postseason. Indiana will have their hands full against a Thunder squad that has been exceptional on their home court all season. Despite that, I like the chance that Indiana uses the chip on their shoulder to prove they belong and make a statement in Game 1 that this series won’t be easy. Although the Pacers may not steal Game 1, I see them keeping this matchup under double digits in the end.
Pacers vs. Thunder Best Total Bet: Over 230.5
These squads have proven they have the firepower to turn any matchup into a shootout. Oklahoma City has one of the most well-rounded rosters in the league, and their ability to score quickly makes them a nightmare to defend. On the flip side, Indiana’s depth and fast-paced offense allow them to score against any team in the league. Assuming this matchup follows the trend of their regular-season matchups, a final score of 121-115 seems realistic.
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Pacers Best Player Bet: Tyrese Haliburton OVER 18.5 Points +118
The Pacers have been at their best throughout this playoff run when Tyrese Haliburton is aggressive on offense, looking for his shot. The star guard is a pass-first playmaker, but his game seemingly rises to another level when he attacks on offense. In the Eastern Conference Finals, Haliburton seemingly made it a point of emphasis to be aggressive offensively, which resulted in one of his best series performances of his career, averaging 21 points, 10.5 assists, and six rebounds. With 19+ points in five of his last seven games, I like the odds that the versatile guard can finish this matchup with 19+ points again.
Thunder Best Player Bet: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander OVER 7.5 Assists +126
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has stamped himself as one of, if not the best, players in the league this season, winning the MVP award, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds. The Kentucky product carried his strong play into the postseason, leading his team to its first NBA Finals since 2012. Looking back at the two regular-season matchups against the Pacers, SGA finished each game with eight assists. Assuming Rick Carlisle’s squad emphasizes getting the ball out of Gilgeous-Alexander’s hands, I expect him to do a good job setting his teammates up for success to end the night with 8+ assists once again.
