Following a thrilling Game 1 and yet another impressive comeback victory by the Pacers in this post-season, we’re set to see if the Thunder can retaliate in Game 2, which they will once again host. Game 2 will occur on the night between Sunday and Monday at 1 am.
This article delves into the NBA Finals odds and shares my top Thunder vs Pacers Game 2 predictions and tips.
Let’s examine this game more closely and explore what can be expected.
OKC Thunder vs Indiana Pacers predictions
Market
My Pick
Odds
Indiana Pacers to win (+11)
Tyrese Haliburton total points
Chet Holmgren total points
Under 14.5
All odds for my Thunder vs Pacers tips were taken from Bet365 and are subject to change at any time.
Indiana Pacers to win with a handicap (+11)
As mentioned in my preview for Game 1, the Pacers are again underestimated by the bookmakers. The spread for that game was 9.5 points, making it puzzling that the Thunder are now even bigger favorites after losing Game 1.
With that in mind, I have to once again support Indiana. While I don’t expect them to win, even though they did in Game 1, I can see them covering the spread. Their ability to erase double-digit leads quickly makes me confident in this bet at any point in the fourth quarter, unless the Thunder can go up by like 30 points, which I don’t see happening.
Tyrese Haliburton over 16.5 total points
In Game 1, I predicted that Haliburton wouldn’t reach 10 assists, and I was right, but Tyrese also struggled with his shooting, scoring only 14 points in the game. That didn’t stop him from hitting a game-winner though, so his confidence going into Game 2 must be high.
With that in mind, I expect a better shooting performance from him. Yes, Thunder’s perimeter defense is possibly the best in the league, but Haliburton has the quality to accumulate points. After all, he has averaged 18.5 ppg these playoffs, so I can certainly see him reaching 17 points in Game 2.
Chet Holmgren under 14.5 total points
Holmgren only played 24 minutes in Game 1 as the Thunder went with one big for the entire game. Typically, both Holmgren and Hartenstein start Thunder’s games, but they chose to go small in Game 1 since Pacers’ bigs Turner and Siakam have the ability to stretch the floor and don’t have a strong post game.
If this trend continues in Game 2, which we expect since the Thunder led for 47 minutes and 57 seconds in Game 1, Holmgren likely won’t have many chances to reach 15 points, making betting on him to again go under the total points line a smart choice.
Thunder vs Pacers preview – teams news, injuries, and predicted lineups
OKC Thunder preview and latest news
After winning 68 games in the regular season, the Thunder were the main title favorites even before the playoffs began, but their experience was in question due to being a very young team. Led by the new MVP of the league, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder proved that their regular season record was not a fluke, and they are deservedly in the NBA Finals.
In Game 1, the Thunder controlled the game, but Indiana’s late surge in the fourth gave the Pacers a chance to win, which they seized.
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- Source: SCCGManagement.com
