According to the latest updates, bettors initially favored the Indiana Pacers to cover the spread in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. However, there has been a shift in the line towards the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder are now 9.5-point favorites to win the upcoming game on Thursday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, after opening as 8.5-point favorites. Despite Indiana receiving 66% of the bets and 63% of the money against the spread at BetMGM, the line moved a point in favor of the Thunder.
There seems to be a strong reliance on a 20-year trend that has seen Game 1 favorites in the NBA Finals with a spread of at least 6 points winning all 10 games (9-1 ATS) during that period. The Thunder are currently the favorites in Game 1 with a 9.5-point spread.
Looking at the series odds, Oklahoma City is heavily favored at -700 to win the series, making them one of the biggest Finals favorites in history. Only six teams since 1996 have had lower odds to win the Finals. Notably, the 2001 Lakers were the biggest favorites with -2000 odds and eventually won the series after dropping Game 1 to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The over/under for Game 1 remains at 230.5 points. The majority of bets and money are leaning towards the over, given the strong offensive capabilities of both teams and the fast-paced style of play expected in the game. The Thunder boasted the best defensive rating in the NBA during the regular season, along with the third-best offensive rating, scoring over 120 points per game. On the other hand, the Pacers had the ninth-best offensive rating in the league and averaged slightly over 117 points per game.
Some popular prop bets for Game 1 revolve around Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, with unders for assists and points being the top choices. In previous matchups against the Thunder this season, Haliburton had a total of 22 points and 11 assists in two games, both resulting in Thunder victories.
As for the series outcome, bettors are showing interest in the Thunder prevailing in a six-game series, with prop bets favoring this scenario at +425. However, there are varying opinions, with some predicting a five-game series in favor of the Thunder after securing the first two games, dropping the third, and then winning two more to clinch the series at +625.
