Following the initial two games, the 2025 NBA Finals are even, with both Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers claiming one win. Game 3 in Indiana becomes crucial as the Pacers aim to maintain the advantage gained from Game 1. Scheduled for 1:30 am between Wednesday night and Thursday, this game is pivotal.
**Indiana Pacers vs OKC Thunder predictions**
**Market** | **My Pick** | **Odds**
— | — | —
**Total points** | Over 227.5 |
**Tyrese Haliburton total points** | Over 17.5 |
**Chet Holmgren total points** | Under 14.5 |
*All odds for Pacers vs Thunder tips were sourced from Boylesports and are subject to change.*
**Over 227.5 total points**
Despite previous predictions favoring the Pacers spread in both games, I’ll avoid picking a winner this time. Given the game’s unpredictable nature, it’s best to focus on points, with over 227.5 total points being a wise bet. Historically, five of the past six meetings between these teams have surpassed this line. Both teams’ fast-paced play generally results in high points. Even the first game of these Finals narrowly missed the mark, with 221 total points.
**Tyrese Haliburton over 17.5 total points**
In my Game 2 prediction, Haliburton was expected to score 17 points, which he did, albeit narrowly. Most of his points came in the fourth quarter, not the performance I anticipated. Nonetheless, Haliburton was the Pacers’ top scorer. For success in Game 3, Haliburton must excel, especially in scoring, as OKC’s strong perimeter defense challenges his passing. He’s likely to score more, and I believe he will.
**Chet Holmgren under 14.5 total points**
Continuing with my third prediction from Game 2, despite Holmgren scoring 15 points then, I am confident about this bet due to Holmgren’s limited minutes—28 in Game 2 and 24 in Game 1. OKC’s strategy of utilizing one main big, with Isaiah Hartenstein as a bench player, restricts Holmgren’s playtime and scoring potential. With just 20 shots in the first two games combined, he’s more prone to fall short of this line.
**Pacers vs Thunder preview – teams news, injuries, and predicted lineups**
**Indiana Pacers preview and latest news**
While the Pacers entered Game 3 with confidence after winning Game 1, they struggled throughout and trailed by 16 points at the end. Despite this, they should feel optimistic ahead of Game 3, having secured an away win. If they manage to defend their home court in subsequent games, they position themselves well, though it’s a tough task against a formidable team like OKC Thunder. The Pacers remain without Jarace Walker and Isaiah Jackson due to injuries.
– **Regular season record:** 50-32
– **Playoff record:** 14-5
– **Pacers starting lineup:** Haliburton, Nembhard, Nesmith, Siakam, Turner
**OKC Thunder preview and latest news**
OKC Thunder, one of the youngest teams in the league, has shown resilience, overcoming initial setbacks in the playoffs. After a surprising loss in Game 1, they fiercely commanded Game 2, reaching a halftime lead of 18 points, and maintaining a double-digit advantage to conclude the game. Despite losing home-court advantage in the Finals, their previous performance against Denver suggests they can reclaim it.
– **Regular season record:** 68-14
– **Playoff record:** 13-6
– **Thunder starting lineup:** Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort, Williams, Holmgren, Hartenstein
An avid sports fan and bettor, particularly passionate about basketball, tennis, and football, I’m excited to be part of the MFT community.
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