- What: 2025 NBA Finals Game 1
- When: June 5, 2025
- Who: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- Time: 5:30 p.m. PST
- Where: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, OK)
The Indiana Pacers will face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the best-of-7 NBA Finals this Thursday. The matchup is set to tip off at 5:30 p.m. PST at Paycom Center.
During the regular season, the Thunder outplayed the Pacers, winning both encounters to complete a 2-0 sweep.
The Pacers secured their spot in the Finals after defeating the New York Knicks 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals, clinching the series with an impressive 125-108 victory last Saturday while comfortably covering as a 4-point home favorite.
Pascal Siakam, who was named MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals, led the way with 31 points. Tyrese Haliburton contributed significantly with 21 points, along with six rebounds and 13 assists.
On the other hand, the Thunder completed a gentleman’s sweep of the Minnesota Timberwolves, dominating the final game with a 124-94 win on Wednesday and covering the spread as a 9-point home favorite.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone brightly in this game, scoring 34 points and adding seven rebounds and eight assists, earning him the Western Conference Finals MVP honors.
Home teams in Game 1 of the Finals have seen the under hit 14 times against 8 overs, with an average total margin of -6.5. When the game goes under, this margin increases to an average of about 15 points.
Teams boasting a superior point differential in both the regular season and playoffs have recorded an under record of 13-4. For 1-seeds playing at home in Game 1, the under stands at 9-3.
It’s possible that the Pacers will maintain their strong shooting, which, coupled with a higher turnover rate as the Thunder capitalize on steals for easy dunks, could push the total score over.
However, the Pacers are facing the toughest defense they’ve encountered so far, and some initial shock is likely. Both squads are inexperienced in this situation, and nerves might be a factor for these younger teams on such a grand stage.
Best Bet: Under 230.5 Points at -110 odds
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
