The Indiana Pacers came into the 2025 NBA Finals as historic underdogs, but somehow managed to steal Game 1 from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a 111-110 thriller, thanks to Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch shot with 0.3 seconds remaining. The Thunder are still the prohibitive favorites (-350 at BetMGM) to win the series, but Game 2 all of a sudden becomes a massive one for Oklahoma City.
Oddsmakers know this as well, which is why the Thunder are 10.5-point home favorites in Game 2 with a total of 228.5. The betting public is backing the Pacers so far at BetMGM, with 69% of the wagers on Indiana to cover.
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Let us not forget the bettor who wagered $1.05 million on Oklahoma City to win the series at -700 odds in Las Vegas at an MGM book on Wednesday night. He or she will be one of the Thunder’s biggest fans on Sunday night.
Yahoo Sports asked handicapper Michael Fiddle for his thoughts on some best bets for Game 2 of the finals:
Game 2: Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder (-10.5, 228.5)
Fiddle: “I was on the over in Game 1, and while there was some late under money, the closing price of 230 I thought was right. Game 2 is another over spot. I think they’ll be fewer turnovers and more shot opportunities for both teams, but especially Indiana — the Pacers shouldn’t have 18 turnovers in the first half again. Both teams are top three in pace and value possessions analytically. Oklahoma City should get to the line a little more often as well. Combine more shots with the clock stopped more often, easy baskets and early market action, and I do think this is comfortable to go back to the over again.
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“The full zig-zag is priced in at -11 for OKC. I can’t get there to back either side. I would understand it if people want to back the Pacers again, but I would be very surprised if the 10.5’s weren’t taken by tip. I think any 10.5’s will be hit and if it gets to 10, those will be snapped up as well. The Pacers at plus-11.5 or OKC at minus-10 will probably be sharp numbers to have by tip. There are more opportunities in the prop market, so it’s probably the better place to attack. And if you don’t have Oklahoma City futures for the series, I’d say now is the time.
“I like Pascal Siakam over 18.5 points. I think a lot of people are going to go to Isaiah Hartenstein overs, but I would be cautious of that. It’s going to be a public side, and everyone is talking about the Thunder being out-rebounded. I don’t think Oklahoma City is going to change — they’re going to look at as ‘We had a 15-point lead in the 4Q and lost it, let’s see what happens.’ I think they’ll keep looking to play small. I’d look more at Lou Dort. His role will be there and stable, so I like his over 14.5 points plus rebounds plus assists, too.”
Best bets: Over 228.5, Pascal Siakam over 18.5 points, Lou Dort over 14.5 PRA
