Pacers vs Thunder Series Preview: NBA Finals Odds, Picks, and Best Bets

9) Best Bet

Best Bet: Series OVER 5.5 Games +120

The betting odds seem to be heavily in favor of the Thunder heading into this series. Not only is OKC viewed as the heavy favorite, but the odds seem to think that the Thunder will put this series away in five games or fewer. However, you can count me among the minority who believe that the Pacers have the firepower and the heart to extend the series beyond five games. Assuming Indiana continues to overcome the odds, I like the chance that this series goes to at least a Game 6.

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2) NBA Finals Schedule

Game 1: Thursday, June 5 | 8:30 PM ET | ABC
(Oklahoma City, OK)

Game 2: Sunday, June 8 | 8:00 PM ET | ABC
(Oklahoma City, OK)

Game 3: Wednesday, June 11 | 8:30 PM ET | ABC
(Indianapolis, IN)

Game 4: Friday, June 13 | 8:30 PM ET | ABC
(Indianapolis, IN)

Game 5: Monday, June 16 | 8:30 PM ET | ABC 
(Oklahoma City, OK) *If Necessary*

Game 6: Thursday, June 19 | 8:30 PM ET | ABC
(Indianapolis, IN) *If Necessary*

Game 7: Sunday, June 22 | 8:00 PM ET | ABC 
(Oklahoma City, OK) *If Necessary* 

3) Betting Odds 

Win Series Thunder -750 | Pacers +530
Total Games 4 +280 | 5 +198 | 6 +300 | 7 +360
O/U Total Games O 5.5 (+12-) | U 5.5 (-148)

NBA Finals Game 1
Spread: Thunder -9 | Total: 231.5
Moneyline: Thunder -420 | Pacers +330

4) Starting Lineup Edge

Both squads have assembled two of the best starting lineups in the league, and their ability to get to this point proves that to be true. The Pacers' starting lineup has the versatility to keep them in any matchup with their ability to stretch the floor and play with pace, headlined by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Despite that, it's hard to give Indiana's starting lineup the edge over an OKC squad whose starters have been acquired to maximize the strengths of one another. The Pacers' starters are a tremendous offensive group, but at times, their lackluster defense puts them in holes that their bench has to help them get out of. Meanwhile, the Thunder's starting lineup comprises multiple two-way players, making them not only an explosive offense but a gritty defense. That said, the Thunder have the starting lineup edge.

5) Bench Edge

Although both teams have two of the deepest rosters in the entire league, it's hard to overlook how deep the Pacers are. Carlisle can throw together multiple lineup rotations to relieve his starters when needed, and nine times out of ten, his rotation changes only benefit Indiana rather than hurt them. The Pacers have the luxury of having T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, and Obi Toppin to lean on for a boost. While the Thunder's bench is also impressive, I think the edge has to go to Indiana, given how many times their bench has stepped up in the regular season and the playoffs.

6) Key Matchup

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the driving force for the Thunder this season, averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and five rebounds during his MVP campaign. The Kentucky star has not only been one of the best players in the league throughout the regular season, but his postseason play has been just as impressive, averaging 29.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds through the first 16 playoff games. SGA's ability to get to his spot on the court at will and his craftiness to manipulate defenses and the refs to send him to the free throw line make him a nightmare to defend.

While the Pacers haven't had the most success on defense throughout their run, they did enough last series to limit a similar offensive player in Jalen Brunson, whose craftiness and scoring ability are similar to Gilgeous-Alexander's. A significant reason for the Pacers' success was the pesky defense from Aaron Nesmith, who continues to prove his value for Indiana. The Pacers will likely send multiple defenders at SGA to try their luck defending the Thunder star throughout this series, but assuming Nesmith gets the bulk of the assignment, his effectiveness in slowing down Gilgeous-Alexander could be the difference in this series.

7) X-Factor

Pascal Siakam was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP after knocking off the New York Knicks, and it's easy to understand why. The versatile forward averaged 24.8 points, five rebounds, and 3.5 assists, while shooting 52.4% from field goal range and 50% from beyond the arc in the ECF. Siakam's efficiency on offense and impressive defense, averaging 1.3 steals per game, arguably may be the biggest reason for the Pacers advancing to the NBA Finals. The Pacers' star has been a difference-maker, and while all eyes may be on Haliburton to alter this series, Siakam's play, in my opinion, could make or break this series for Indiana.

8) Prediction

This series has everything you want in an NBA Finals matchup. Not only will two of the best young players in the league compete for their first ring, but they also have the opportunity to put their names in the history books and earn their respective franchises their first-ever NBA Championship. Between two offenses that could turn every game into a shootout and fan bases that have been electric throughout the playoffs, the hype around this series is warranted. Indiana has the depth to make this a series, and they've proven all postseason long that being an underdog only fuels them. Despite that, the Thunder may have too much talent on their side for the Pacers to overcome, especially if they play with the same urgency they did in the Western Conference Finals.

Prediction: Thunder 4-2

9) Best Bet

Best Bet: Series OVER 5.5 Games +120

The betting odds seem to be heavily in favor of the Thunder heading into this series. Not only is OKC viewed as the heavy favorite, but the odds seem to think that the Thunder will put this series away in five games or fewer. However, you can count me among the minority who believe that the Pacers have the firepower and the heart to extend the series beyond five games. Assuming Indiana continues to overcome the odds, I like the chance that this series goes to at least a Game 6.

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