Are the Indiana Pacers really underdogs anymore?
Indiana continued its incredible postseason run by shocking the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, erasing a 15-point deficit and storming back in the final minutes for a stunning 111-110 win on the road.
Pascal Siakam was a key factor in that comeback, notching 19 points and 10 rebounds in the opener. His ability to score in bunches and make plays in crunch time is becoming a consistent edge for the Pacers.
With Game 2 set for tonight, I’m expecting more of the same from Siakam and Co. — and breaking down the best ways to bet it in my Pacers vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, June 8.
Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, with the game airing on ABC.
Who will win Pacers vs Thunder Game 2?
After closing as 10-point home favorites in Game 1, oddsmakers have bumped Oklahoma City up to -11 for Game 2 — a clear nod to the expectation that the Thunder bounce back after letting the series opener slip away.
Prediction: I'm not eager to fade a Pacers team that continues to cover as big underdogs, but I do expect OKC to respond with a straight-up win in Game 2.
Pacers vs Thunder prediction
My best bet: Pascal Siakam SGP 15+ Points/7+ Rebounds (+140 at bet365)
I was smart enough to back Pascal Siakam to go Over his rebounding total of 6.5 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, collecting an easy plus-money winner with the Indiana Pacers’ forward snatching 10 boards Thursday.
Entering the championship round, Siakam’s rebounding results had taken a dip after a tough pairing with former teammate OG Anunoby in the Eastern Conference finals. He topped out at six rebounds and averaged only 5.0 boards against the New York Knicks.
But looking up and down this Oklahoma City Thunder roster, there’s no one who really counters the speed, size, and ability Siakam brings to the floor. The Thunder can either throw smaller guards at him or lumbering 7-footers, opting to go with 6-foot-5 guards Jalen Williams or Alex Caruso for the bulk of matchup minutes.
The 6-foot-8 Siakam exploited those mismatches in Game 1. He shot 7 for 15 from the floor and pulled down four of his 10 boards on the offensive end, leading to seven second-chance points. Advanced metrics show Siakam had 15.0 rebounding chances against OKC on Thursday.
Siakam has been a steady offensive outlet for Indiana in the postseason. He’s scored 15 points or more in 10 straight contests and in 14 of the team’s 17 tournament games. He’s averaging just shy of 21 points on 53.3% shooting in the playoffs.
The early Game 2 projections call for just over 19 points and the rebounding models range from 7.3 to as high as 8.6. His rebounding Over/Under is at 6.5 and sharper books immediately drew action on the Over for Game 2, surging the vig to as high as -144. His scoring total sits at 18.5 O/U with stops at 19.5 O/U in market movement.
I’m going to combo his milestone markets in a same game parlay and take his 15+ points and 7+ rebounds. This SGP is as short as +118 at some shops but you can find the same result at +140 at bet365.
Pacers vs Thunder same-game parlay
Siakam 15+ Points
Siakam 7+ Rebounds
Pacers +10.5
Siakam has scored at least 15 points in 14 of the Pacers’ 17 playoff games and has a mismatch advantage against the Thunder.
Siakam’s advanced stats showed 15.0 rebounding chances in Game 1, leading to 10 boards. He’s drawing small defenders and can crash the clash for offensive rebounds.
It really feels like the market is undervaluing Indiana. The Pacers hang around and refuse to quit, which makes all these points a gift with this gritty team.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Pacers vs Thunder odds
Pacers vs Thunder live odds
Pacers vs Thunder opening odds
- Spread: Indiana +9.5 (-115) | Oklahoma City -9.5 (-105)
- Moneyline: Indiana (+320) | Oklahoma City (-425)
- Over/Under: Over 230.5 (-110) | Under 230.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Pacers vs Thunder spread and Over/Under analysis
• After losing Game 1 in heartbreaking fashion, bookies expect OKC to come back with vengeance in Game 2. They opened the Thunder as 11-point home favorites, which would currently be the third biggest spread for an NBA Finals game since 2004.
• The Game 2 total hit the board at 227.5 points and jumped to 228 with early play on the Over. Game 1 finished 221 combined points, staying Under the closing number of 229.5 O/U.
• According to Covers Consensus early data, 72% of picks are taking all those points with the Pacers while 60% of total picks are siding with the Over.
Pacers vs Thunder trend
Since 2004, there have been only four teams favored by -10 or higher in the NBA Finals (including OKC in Game 1). Those big faves are 3-1 SU and 1-3 ATS. Find more NBA betting trends for Pacers vs. Thunder.
How to watch Pacers vs Thunder
| Location | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK |
| Date | Sunday, 6-8-2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ABC |
Pacers vs Thunder latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
