Indiana Pacers vs
Oklahoma City ThunderPredictions & Preview

Pacers Upset Thunder in Game 1 of NBA Finals, OKC Looks to Even Series in Game 2

The NBA Finals matchup between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder has the Pacers stealing Game 1 on the road despite being 10-point underdogs. Oklahoma City will look to even the series in Game 2 on Sunday night. The Thunder are favored by 10.5 points in the upcoming game. Oklahoma City has a regular season advantage over Indiana, but the Pacers are looking to continue their upset streak on the road. Will the Thunder be able to bounce back and even the series, or will the Pacers continue their surprising run in the postseason?

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Pacers +428 | Thunder -556
• Spread: Pacers +10.5 (-110) | Thunder -10.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 228 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Oklahoma City will win straight-up is 85%.

Indiana vs Oklahoma City Stats

Indiana Pacers

In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers overcame a large deficit to stun the Thunder on the road. Despite struggling with turnovers, the Pacers managed to secure the win with a game-winning jumper by Tyrese Haliburton. The team shot 47.6% from the field and made 18 of 39 three-pointers, overcoming 24 turnovers in the process. Pascal Siakam led the team with 19 points and 10 rebounds. In the playoffs, the Pacers have excelled in scoring offense and assists while being average in rebounding and scoring defense. Leading players like Myles Turner, Pascal Siakam, and T.J. McConnell have been crucial contributors. Indiana is ranked 7th in offense and 17th in defense, with a 63-36 record for the season. They excel in field goal and free throw percentages, as well as three-point shooting. Defensively, they struggle in allowing three-pointers but perform well in rebounding and defensive assists.

Oklahoma City Thunder Analysis

The Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a heartbreaking defeat in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, despite leading for most of the game. They are now focused on bouncing back in Game 2 and evening the series before heading on the road. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with an impressive performance, but the Thunder struggled with shooting and rebounding in the loss. Looking ahead, the Thunder will need contributions from key players such as Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Aaron Wiggins to secure a victory. Despite their recent setback, the Thunder have demonstrated strong offensive prowess throughout the postseason, ranking high in scoring offense and field goal percentage. Defensively, they have been effective at limiting opponents' scoring opportunities. As they prepare for their next matchup, the Thunder will look to capitalize on their offensive strengths and tighten up their defense to secure a crucial win in the series.

OKC Thunder Faces Setback in Game 1 Against Pacers, With Tough Battle Expected in Next Match

Oklahoma City experienced a disappointing loss in Game 1 against the Pacers, despite holding a significant lead for much of the game. This marked only the team's second home loss in the postseason, highlighting their strong performance thus far. The Thunder have shown resilience in the past, bouncing back from a previous defeat with an impressive victory. On the other hand, Indiana has demonstrated confidence on the road in the playoffs. While Oklahoma City is expected to emerge victorious, a large point spread may be challenging to cover. Therefore, it is advisable to consider taking the points and betting on the Pacers to keep the game close. Ultimately, Oklahoma City is likely to secure the win, but the margin of victory may be closer than expected.

Sources: [ 4 ] [ 5 ] [ 6 ]