The 2025 NBA Finals are just about here, and it’s the Indiana Pacers battling the Oklahoma City Thunder starting June 5th.
On paper, it’s one of the most lopsided finals in years, with OKC coming in as a heavy favorite. But with over 600 NBA Finals bets to play, hoops fans can wager on way more than what might look like an obvious win for the Thunder every night.
View the latest NBA odds at Bovada
Latest Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder: -410
Indiana Pacers: +305
*Odds subject to change
Indiana’s Surprise Run to the Finals
Heading into the playoffs, the Pacers’ odds were long. Teams like the Celtics, Knicks, and Bucks were all favored, with Indiana sitting at +2800 or worse. But they caught fire behind Tyrese Haliburton and a team-first offensive approach.
Indiana finished the regular season 50-32, only 4th in the East, making their run all the more shocking. Haliburton has emerged as a strong Finals MVP contender (+600), with Siakam also in the mix at +1200.
Key Matchups and Betting Angles
Looking back to their December 26 matchup, OKC won (and again in March), but Indiana led by 16 at one point, showing they can compete. Still, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) dominated Haliburton in that game, 45 points to just 4.
Haliburton has improved in the postseason, but OKC’s Lu Dort — a first-team All-Defensive pick — has been a problem for him all year and could be a key factor again.
Siakam, meanwhile, could be the Pacers’ X-factor. He was named Conference Finals MVP and scored over 30 in the Knicks series. If he stays hot, Indiana could make this competitive.
Why OKC Is Favored — And Where They’re Vulnerable
OKC finished 68-14 and had a 29-1 record against the East. They set a league record for point differential (+12.9 per game) and have the league MVP in SGA, who’s averaging 29.8 PPG in the playoffs.
Game 1’s spread favors OKC by 9 points — tighter than expected given the Thunder’s dominance. Bettors might see value in backing Indiana to cover.
Still, Indiana’s comeback ability can’t be ignored. They’ve won three playoff games they had no business winning, including a stunning rally vs. the Knicks in Game 1 of the Conference Finals. They also have the highest true shooting percentage of any playoff team (61.7%).
Expect a High-Speed Series
This series could be a track meet. The Game 1 total is set at 231 points — well above regular-season averages — and Indiana led the league in fewest seconds and dribbles per touch, emphasizing pace.
OKC’s youth (second-youngest Finals team ever) could help them keep up, but the Pacers are built for speed too. Over seven games, though, Indiana faces long odds to win the whole thing.
Final Word for Bettors
Expect fireworks, fast breaks, and plenty of betting angles. Whether you’re backing MVP picks, game totals, or comeback scenarios, there’s no shortage of options.
Check out hundreds of bets for every game at Bovada during the 2025 NBA Finals.
