OKC Thunder vs Indiana Pacers NBA Finals Game 1 betting predictions: Best bets, pick, spread, and odds for 2025 Championship Series (June 5, 2025)

The 2025 NBA Finals are set to deliver a thrilling showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Both franchises are chasing their first-ever NBA title, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle.

The Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, enter as heavy favorites, but the Pacers’ explosive offense and playoff resilience make them a dangerous underdog.

OKC Thunder and Indiana Pacers set for historic NBA Finals clash

Oklahoma City returns to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, when Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook fell to LeBron James’ Miami Heat. The Pacers, meanwhile, haven’t reached this stage. The Thunder’s dominance this season is undeniable. They boast a 43-7 home record at Paycom Center and swept the Pacers in their regular-season matchups.

However, Indiana has been on a tear since mid-December, going 52-21 behind the leadership of Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.

OKC Thunder and Indiana Pacers NBA Finals Game 1 betting odds (June 5, 2025)

Here’s a breakdown of the latest odds for Game 1, courtesy of Melbet:

The Thunder’s moneyline implies an 86% chance of victory, reflecting their regular-season dominance and home-court advantage. However, the tight spread and high over/under suggest a competitive, high-scoring affair.

Why the OKC Thunder are the favorites

Several factors tilt the scales in Oklahoma City’s favor: - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP form: Averaging 29.8 PPG in the playoffs, SGA has been unstoppable. - Elite defense: The Thunder force turnovers at a league-leading rate. - Home dominance: A near-perfect record at Paycom Center makes them tough to beat. Despite Indiana’s resilience, OKC’s depth and defensive prowess give them the edge.

Can the Pacers pull off an upset in NBA Finals Game 1?

Indiana’s strengths shouldn’t be overlooked: - Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking: The best passer in the NBA can single-handedly swing games. - Pascal Siakam’s experience: A former champion, Siakam brings clutch playoff performances. - Rick Carlisle’s coaching: A proven winner who led the Mavericks to a title in 2011. The Pacers thrive as underdogs, but overcoming OKC’s firepower in a seven-game series is a tall order.

OKC Thunder vs Indiana Pacers NBA Finals Game 1 prediction and best bets

Prediction: OKC Thunder win by 10+ pointsTop player props to consider: - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over 33.5 points (1.84): SGA has scored 25+ in 13 of his last 15 games. - Pascal Siakam over 1.5 three-pointers (2.31): Strong value given his aggressive shooting in the playoffs. For those eyeing a higher payout, pairing a Thunder win with the under (227.5) offers a 2.25x return. Alternatively, a Thunder -9.5 and over 231.5 combo bet could yield 3.5x or more.Also read: Why LeBron James Is Calling Out ESPN’s Brian Windhorst - Inside the NBA's Strangest FeudWhile the Pacers have defied expectations all season, the Thunder’s balance and home-court advantage make them the safer pick. Expect a high-scoring Game 1, but Oklahoma City’s defense and star power should secure the win. For the latest odds and a 150% first-deposit bonus up to ₹40,000, check out Melbet’s NBA Finals betting offers.