Thunder Remain Favorites Despite Game 1 Setback
Everyone expected the NBA Finals to favor the Oklahoma City Thunder after their franchise-best 68-win season, but dropping Game 1 has added some drama. Oddsmakers adjusted the Thunder's line from a confident -700 down to -330 after their early stumble. They’re still the heavy favorites against the Indiana Pacers, but a single playoff loss is more than enough to rattle markets and bettors alike.
The Pacers, on the other hand, are embracing their underdog role. They’re now sitting at +260 odds to win it all. That’s not astronomical, but it’s a big leap from where they started. And the betting crowd? They’re surprising everyone. While 78% of bettors are laying action on Indiana to pull off the upset, a whopping 90% of the money still rides on the Thunder. It’s a case of risk-takers versus deep-pocketed believers who think the Thunder will bounce right back.
Player Props and Matchups: Spotlight on SGA and Haliburton
On the prop side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) is the man to watch. He’s a massive -6000 favorite to be the top scorer. That’s not just hype—SGA has scored at least 25 points in 13 of his 16 playoff games this year. He’s money in the clutch, and bettors haven’t missed that streak. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam aren’t close to SGA in odds, sitting at +4900 and +3600 for top scorer, but that hasn’t stopped fans from tossing long-shot bets their way, especially with Haliburton leading Indiana like a court general.
There’s buzz around triple-doubles too. Both SGA and Haliburton can stuff the stat sheet, so books have action on either racking up double digits in three major categories. If you want to live on the edge, there are wild props like either team hitting 10+ threes in a quarter (priced way out at +3000) or breaking the NBA Finals steals record (19+ at +6000). Those are the kind of bets that keep things loud in the sportsbook, even if the odds are long.
On the court, the Pacers rely on a lightning-fast offense that’s second in offensive rating during these playoffs. Yet, this is where it gets real for Indiana—the Thunder bring balance, defense, and playoff poise, not to mention one of the deepest rotations left on the board. Every possession will be a game within the game, with Indiana pushing the pace and OKC finding ways to cool things down and control the scoreboard.
This Finals matchup delivers betting intrigue, big name battles, and plenty of chances for long-shot glory—it’s more than just basketball; it’s where expectations, momentum, and bold predictions crash headfirst. Whether you’re watching for the game or the green, these Finals are built for drama.