Indiana (0-0) at Oklahoma City (0-0)
- When: Jun 5 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- TV: ABC
Pacers vs. Thunder – NBA Finals Game 1 Preview, Prediction and Player Props
Odds: Oklahoma City -9.5 | Total: 230.0
Oklahoma City Thunder: A Young Juggernaut Ready to Strike
For the first time since 2012, the Thunder are back in the NBA Finals but this squad is far younger, far deeper, and arguably far more dangerous. Fueled by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rising star Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City posted a league-best 68-14 record this season and swept their way through the West with machine-like precision.
SGA is averaging a scorching 31.6 points in the playoffs and sets the tone on both ends. Oklahoma City’s defense has been absolutely elite, owning a 104.7 defensive rating, the best in the postseason. They also crushed Indiana in both regular-season meetings, including a dominant 132-111 win at home.
Thunder – Top Player Prop Picks:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Over 30.5 Points
SGA has averaged over 31 points during the playoffs and thrives in high-leverage moments. Indiana’s defense isn’t built to stop elite isolation scorers.
Jalen Williams – Over 2.5 Made Threes
He’s shot 39% from deep at home during the playoffs and gets great looks with defenses keyed on SGA and Holmgren. Great value spot.
Indiana Pacers: Riding a Wild Wave into the Finals
Indiana’s Cinderella run continues after blazing through Milwaukee, Cleveland, and New York, all in convincing fashion. Led by the surgical playmaking of Tyrese Haliburton and versatile scoring from Pascal Siakam, the Pacers have defied all odds en route to their first Finals trip since 2000.
They started the season below .500, only to rally into the East’s No. 4 seed. Offensively, the Pacers have been a force, posting a 117.7 playoff offensive rating third-best among all postseason teams.
Still, they’ll face their biggest challenge yet against an OKC team that’s deeper, healthier, and more defensively sound.
Pacers – Top Player Prop Picks
Tyrese Haliburton – Over 9.5 Assists
He’s averaging 10.3 assists in the playoffs and will need to play the ultimate facilitator role to keep pace with OKC’s firepower.
Pascal Siakam – Over 19.5 Points
With OKC likely to focus on Haliburton, Siakam should find favorable matchups inside and mid-range, especially in transition and on secondary looks.
Game 1 Prediction and Final Score
With home-court energy, elite defense, and top-tier shot creators, Oklahoma City has the tools to open the series with authority. Indiana may hang early, but OKC’s pressure will eventually break them down.
Spread: Thunder -9.5
Toral: Under 230.0
Final Score Prediction: Oklahoma City 119, Indiana 105
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
