NBA Finals Game 1 Betting Preview: Pacers vs. Thunder Odds, Matchups, and Best Bets

NBA Finals Game 1 Betting Preview – Pacers vs. Thunder: The 2025 NBA Finals bring an unexpected matchup between two hungry franchises seeking their first NBA title.

NBA Finals Game 1 Betting Preview: The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Indiana Pacers in Game 1, and we’ll cover everything from each team’s playoff journey and strengths/weaknesses to updated injuries, lineups, prop bets, and best bets for the series opener. Can the underdog Pacers continue their Cinderella run, or will the favored Thunder hold serve at home? Let’s dive in.

Check Out All Our Bets and Previews

🏆 Road to the Finals: 2025 Playoff Recap

Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder rolled through the Western Conference, sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies, winning a seven-game series against the Denver Nuggets, and eliminating the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. They outscored opponents by +173 across 16 playoff games and seek their first title since the franchise's Seattle SuperSonics days.

Indiana Pacers: Entering the playoffs as 80-to-1 underdogs, the Pacers upset Milwaukee, Cleveland, and New York to reach their first Finals since 2000. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam have led the charge for a gritty team that has won every Game 1 so far, including two on the road.

⚡ Oklahoma City Thunder: Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths: Oklahoma City finished with a league-best 68–14 record thanks to elite defense (No. 1 in defensive rating) and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership. SGA has averaged nearly 30 points per game in the postseason, while Jalen Williams and Josh Giddey provide depth. The Thunder are 9–1 at home in the playoffs, with eight of those wins by double digits.

Weaknesses: The Thunder's pressure defense can lead to open corner threes for opponents. They also aren’t an elite three-point shooting team and lack Finals experience, with this being the first appearance for most of the roster. Youth could be a factor under pressure.

🏎 Indiana Pacers: Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths: The Pacers thrive on pace, ball movement, and efficient shooting. They lead the playoffs in three-point percentage and have the third-lowest turnover rate in the league. Pascal Siakam brings championship experience, and Myles Turner anchors the defense. Indiana is 3-0 in Game 1s and benefits from Rick Carlisle’s coaching adjustments, especially with extra rest.

Weaknesses: Indiana’s defense is average, and depth in the frontcourt can be a concern. Their success often hinges on hitting threes. If shots aren’t falling, they could struggle to keep pace. Outside of Siakam, Finals experience is limited.

🤕 Injury Report & Projected Lineups

Injuries: The Pacers are without rookie forward Jarace Walker (ankle). The Thunder report no significant injuries.

Pacers Projected Starters: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner

Thunder Projected Starters: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein

🎯 Top Player Prop Bets for Game 1

• Tyrese Haliburton Double-Double (+110): Averaging 9.8 assists in the playoffs, Haliburton has notched 8 double-doubles in 15 games. With Dort likely guarding him, look for Tyrese to focus on playmaking.
• Aaron Nesmith Over 1.5 threes: Nesmith is a corner specialist, and OKC gives up the most corner threes in the league. He’s in a perfect spot to hit two or more.
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 33.5 points: SGA is on a tear and gets a favorable matchup vs. Indiana’s average defense. In his Finals debut, expect fireworks.
• Pascal Siakam Over 19.5 points: Siakam leads Indiana in playoff scoring and just dropped 31 points to clinch the East. He’ll be aggressive from the start.

🔥 NBA Finals Game 1 Betting Preview: Best Bets & Final Predictions

This is the section where you find my official plays for the 2025 NBA Finals Game 1 and the series.

✅ Pacers Moneyline (+350) – 3 Units (Coolbet):
The Pacers are being overlooked yet again. They are 3-0 in Game 1s this postseason, including two on the road. Carlisle is elite with extra prep, and OKC’s youth could lead to a slow start. At +350, the price is simply too good to pass up for a modest stake.

✅ Over 5.5 Games in Series (-102) – 7 Units (Coolbet):
Indiana doesn’t need to win the title — they just need two wins for this bet to cash. Their style and mentality have earned them multiple wins in every series. Even if the Thunder prevail, a 4-2 finish seems highly likely. At near even money, this is the top value play on the board.

💰 Bet at Coolbet with a $200 CAD deposit bonus

🏁 Final Word

The Thunder are heavy favorites and deservedly so — they’ve been the league’s most consistent two-way team. But the Pacers keep proving people wrong, and Game 1 could be the next surprise. This series has all the makings of a battle, not a sweep. Back Indiana to make it interesting, and look to cash in on value with these carefully selected plays.

All odds via Coolbet as of June 5, 2025. Bet responsibly. Good luck!