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by Matt Lowrimore in NBA Picks
After a long and grueling NBA playoffs, the NBA Finals are finally here! Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder from the Western Conference and the Indiana Pacers from the Eastern Conference is set to take place on Thursday in Oklahoma City. Let's take a look at the match statistics and predictions to see who can land an early punch in this year's NBA Finals.
Indiana enters this game fresh on a series win over the New York Knicks, beating them over six games. In the close-out game, the Pacers were dominant, beating the Knicks by a score of 125-108. In this game, the Pacers had six players score in double figures, including all five of their starters. Leading the way for the Pacers was Pascal Siakam, who scored a game-high 31 points.
As for Oklahoma City, they enter the NBA Finals off a dominant series win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Thunder beat the Timberwolves in the series four games to one, winning Game 5 by a score of 124-94 to advance to the NBA Finals. In this close-out game, the Thunder had five players score in double figures, including four of their five starters. Leading the way for the Thunder was no other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored a game-high 34 points.
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Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Form
Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder Latest Matches
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Indiana Pacers against Oklahoma City Thunder : Head to Head (H2H)
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Indiana Pacers - Oklahoma City Thunder: Form Analysis
The Pacers have by far been the surprise team in this year's playoffs. They beat the Milwaukee Bucks four games to one in the first round, the Cleveland Cavaliers four games to one in the second round, and the New York Knicks four games to two in the Eastern Conference Finals.
“The Pacers are making their first NBA Finals appearance since the 1999-2000 season.”
The Thunder have been the heavy favorite to win the NBA Finals since the playoffs began and as such, advanced to the NBA Finals without too much trouble. Oklahoma City crushed the Memphis Grizzlies four games to none in the first round, beat the Denver Nuggets four games to three in the second round, and dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves four games to one in the Western Conference Finals.
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Indiana Pacers & Oklahoma City Thunder Squad Analysis
As the playoffs have gone on, both teams have several players who have established themselves as the best on the team. For Indiana, that is Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton. Siakam is averaging 21.1 points per game in the playoffs, while Haliburton is averaging 18.8 points per game. They both have had games this postseason where they completely took over, and as such, will be a constant threat in the NBA Finals.
“Both teams enter the NBA Finals with no significant injury concerns.”
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been by far the best player on the team. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.4 points per game in the postseason, followed by Jalen Williams, who is averaging 20.4 points per game, and Chet Holmgren, who is averaging 16.4 points per game.
Indiana Pacers - Oklahoma City Thunder Key Points
- The Thunder are 8-1 SU at home this postseason
- The Thunder are 2-1 ATS in Game 1’s this postseason
- The Pacers are 6-2 ATS on the road this postseason
- The Pacers are 3-0 SU in Game 1’s this postseason
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Our Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction
The Thunder are heavy favorites in the NBA Finals and in Game 1 as well. That said, they have not played in over a week, seeing that they closed out their series with the Minnesota Timberwolves last Wednesday. While this should not affect them too much, it is worth pointing out, as they could be a little rusty.
As for Indiana, they have been brilliant in Game 1's during the postseason, going a perfect 3-0, which includes road wins against the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks. The Pacers will not have had as much rest as the Thunder, but could be sharper for the start of the NBA Finals.
Given Indiana's success in Game 1's during the postseason, our Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers prediction is: Indiana Pacers Alternate Spread +10.5.Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder - Other Interesting Picks
Pascal Siakam Over 19.5 Points
Our second prediction for this game will target Pascal Siakam to score at least 20 points. Siakam has consistently been Indiana's best player in the postseason, and as such, he is averaging 21.1 points per game.
He has scored at least 20 points in eight of the Pacers' 16 playoff games, including three times in the Eastern Conference Finals.Jackpot Pools
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