Pacers vs Thunder NBA Finals Game 5 Predictions, Props, & Picks
John Canady
Host · Writer
On Monday, the Indiana Pacers hit the road for Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Indiana seemingly blew a prime opportunity to take a commanding 3-1 series lead after collapsing in the fourth quarter in Game 4. With the series tied at 2-2, this matchup turns into a best-of-three series between two of the best young teams in the league.
Pacers vs Thunder
- Location: Paycom Center – Oklahoma City, OK
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: ABC
- Spread: Thunder -9.5 | Total: 223.5
- Moneyline: Thunder -420 | Pacers +330
Please be aware that betting odds may change after the publication of this article.
Pacers vs Thunder Best Bet: Pacers +9.5
Indiana enters this game following the trend of the previous four matchups as the underdog. The Pacers, undoubtedly, dropped the ball on a pivotal swing in their favor in Game 4, but they’ve proven all postseason long and through the start of this series that they have the talent to steal a game on the road. Whether Indiana can put together a game plan to put itself back in the driver’s seat is still up in the air. I believe Rick Carlisle will have his squad ready to go, understanding what going down 3-2 in the NBA Finals would mean for their chances. Regardless of whether the Pacers can pull together a win, I like the odds that they can keep this game closer than the 9.5-point spread.
Pacers vs Thunder Best Total Bet: Under 223.5
Entering this series, expectations were that each matchup would result in high-scoring shootouts between these elite offenses. Although the series has been full of elite offensive play, the total points scored through the first four games have not exceeded the set total as much as expected. Considering how the trend of the couple of games has gone, it won’t be a surprise to see the result of this matchup again result in fewer total points than the 223.5-point set total. That said, a final score of 112-107 seems realistic for Game 5 on Monday.
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Pacers Best Player Bet: Pascal Siakam OVER 23.5 PTS + AST +108
Pascal Siakam hasn’t been as dominant in this series as he has for the Pacers throughout their Eastern Conference gauntlet. Still, in the last couple of games, the versatile forward has seemingly turned the corner. Siakam has combined for 25+ points and assists in each of the previous two games. With Indiana heavily relying on the New Mexico State product to produce in this pivotal matchup, I like the chances he can keep the streak going with another impressive game.
Thunder Best Player Bet: Jalen Williams OVER 23.5 Points +118
Heading into this series, it was essential for Oklahoma City to get consistent production from Jalen Williams to help take the offensive load off of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s back. Williams didn’t do enough through the first two games as the team’s second option. However, the young forward vowed to be better, and in their last two games on the road, he’s delivered in a big way. The two-way star is averaging 26.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and three assists in his last two games. Williams could keep the momentum going back home in front of the Thunder fans.
