The excitement is palpable as we approach the **2025 NBA Finals**, where the **Indiana Pacers** are set to clash with the **Oklahoma City Thunder** in Game 1 on Thursday at **8:30 p.m. ET**. Both teams have navigated a fierce playoff journey, showcasing their prowess with an impressive **12-4 postseason record**. Indiana secured their place in the Finals after a six-game battle in the Eastern Conference Finals, while Oklahoma City advanced after just five games in the West Finals. As for the latest betting odds, the Thunder find themselves as the favorites by **9.5 points**, and the over/under for total points sits at **231**.
This matchup holds unique significance, as both franchises are vying for their **first-ever NBA championship**. The 2025 NBA Finals marks the first time since 2006 that both finalists are seeking their maiden title, reminding fans of Miami and Dallas’s historic showdown. Indiana has previously clinched three **ABA championships** but fell short in their sole NBA Finals appearance in 2000. The Oklahoma City franchise, formerly the **Seattle SuperSonics**, captured a title in **1979** but also lost their only Finals matchup in **2012** since their relocation.
In terms of performance, these two teams have dominated the league since **January 1**. The Thunder boast an astounding **.803 win percentage**, while the Pacers stand at **.719**. Should Oklahoma City secure the championship, they would set a record for the **most total victories** (84) by an NBA champion since the legendary **1996-97 Chicago Bulls**. The Thunder are spearheaded by MVP **Shai Gilgeous-Alexander**, who leads the league with an impressive **32.7 points per game** and could surpass Michael Jordan’s record for the highest scoring average on a title-winning team.
Meanwhile, the Pacers have showcased resilience throughout the playoffs, achieving four remarkable comebacks of 17 points or more—the most since the **play-by-play era** began in 1997. Indiana also stunned the **64-win Cleveland Cavaliers** in the second round, and a victory over the **68-win Thunder** would make them the **first team in NBA history** to topple two 64-plus win teams in a single postseason.
While fans of both franchises are heavily invested in the Finals, the **average basketball enthusiast** may find it challenging to engage with these smaller market teams. However, the recent surge in **sports betting** presents an exciting opportunity for everyone to get in on the action. If you’re new to betting or feel intimidated, our comprehensive guide on **basketball betting** will enhance your experience during the thrilling **2025 NBA Finals**.
Basketball Betting Basics
For anyone looking to place their first bet on the NBA, the journey begins with **exploring reputable sportsbooks**. Many of them offer enticing sign-up bonuses, including deposit matches, “bet and get” promotions, and “no sweat bets.” Using multiple sportsbooks is advantageous, allowing you to **shop around for the best odds**. For instance, one sportsbook might set the total for Thunder vs. Pacers at **230**, while another may list it at **232**. Always opt for the most favorable figure when placing your bets.
New users are encouraged to take full advantage of **sports betting promotions** to kickstart their betting journey. Once you’ve selected a sportsbook, familiarize yourself with different types of bets. Typically, NBA pages will prominently feature upcoming games with +/- pricing for wagers. Plus-money indicates how much you would profit on a bet, while minus-money shows how much you need to wager to earn a $100 profit.
Here are the three main types of bets you’ll encounter:
- Spread: The margin by which the favored team must win. If the favorite is listed at **-5.5**, they must win by **6 or more points**; the underdog at **+5.5** can cover by winning outright or losing by **5 points or fewer**.
- Total (over/under): The combined score of both teams. For an **O/U** of **227.5**, betting on the Under means favoring **227 or fewer points**, while the Over means **228 or more points**.
- Money Line: A straightforward wager on which team will win, regardless of the score.
Thunder vs. Pacers Prop Betting
One of the more thrilling aspects of NBA betting is **prop bets**, which allow you to wager on individual players, teams, or specific game occurrences. For instance, **player props** might focus on a player’s performance metrics, such as a scoring line set at **26.5 points**. You can also delve into combo player props that consider total points, rebounds, and assists combined.
Team-related props can range from predicting the type of basket scored first (2-pointer, 3-pointer, free throw) to forecasting which player will lead their team in rebounds. You can even place bets on game-specific prop bets, like whether the game will go into overtime or how many dunks occur in the first five minutes!
Thunder vs. Pacers Parlay Picks
Parlays are an exhilarating way to amplify your betting experience, combining multiple wagers that must all be successful for you to profit. With the Finals underway, **same-game parlays (SGP)** are the way to go—these bets gather multiple outcomes from a single game.
Each sportsbook has its unique formula for SGP odds, offering another reason to explore various **sports betting apps** for the best value.
NBA Futures Betting
Futures betting is a fan favorite as it allows you to wager on season-long outcomes. Current futures bets include propositions on the **2026 NBA championship,** allowing bettors to secure their stakes while the season is still in play. Options span team futures, like championship winners and playoff berths, along with individual player futures, including MVP and statistical averages.
Interestingly, a futures bet available for this season is wagering on the **Finals MVP award**. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the top contender, following a historical trend where every Finals MVP has originated from the winning team.
How to Bet on the NBA Finals
Betting on the NBA Finals follows similar principles as regular-season betting. However, you can also wager on the series outright or predict the exact outcome of a series (e.g., Pacers defeating the Knicks in six games).
Thunder vs. Pacers Live Betting
Live betting adds an extra layer of excitement to NBA wagering, allowing you to place bets while the game unfolds. The odds will adjust based on the live score, time remaining, and other factors. This strategy can be particularly beneficial for assessing team dynamics or player performance following injuries before you make your betting decision.
Tips and Advice for Betting on the NBA Finals
The NBA is notoriously unpredictable, especially evident during recent conference finals, where only one team held a top-two playoff seed. Here are some expert tips from **Mike Barner**, SportsLine’s renowned NBA analyst, who boasts an impressive betting record of 229-166-2 over his last 397 picks:
Game 1 Insight: “Avoid placing too much weight on regular-season matchups, as teams often didn’t field their top players. Prioritize recent playoff trends and rotations instead.”
Newcomer Tips: “Bench players usually perform better at home—leverage that home-court advantage in your betting strategy.”
Consider Popular Bets: “Focus on prop bets for star players who will have significant game involvement rather than taking chances on lower-tier players.”
NBA Picks for Thunder vs. Pacers in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals
Now that you’re equipped with the essentials of NBA betting, check out expert picks for Game 1, including player prop recommendations for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. For detailed analysis and betting insights, visit SportsLine for top bets.
Additionally, **Matt Severance**, another SportsLine expert, has finalized his picks for Game 1, covering both against-the-spread and over/under predictions. Discover his insights by visiting SportsLine as he looks to continue his impressive run of success.
