After a stunning 111-110 victory for the Indiana Pacers in Game 1, the NBA Finals shift to a pivotal Game 2. The Oklahoma City Thunder, who dominated the regular season with 68 wins, suddenly find their backs against the wall, facing the daunting prospect of heading to Indiana down 0-2. This is a must-win game for the home team, and we expect a ferocious response.

Game Details:

• Matchup: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
• Series: NBA Finals - Game 2 (IND leads 1-0)
• Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
• Time: 8:00 PM ET
• Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
• The Line: Oklahoma City Thunder -11.5 (-105); Over/Under: 227.5; IND ML +425 / OKC ML -650

Indiana Pacers Betting Preview

The Pacers executed their game plan to perfection in the opener, pushing the pace and getting enough key stops to squeak out a one-point win. Pascal Siakam (19 points, 10 rebounds in Game 1) was a steadying force, and the team’s potent offense proved it can score on anyone. In the postseason, Indiana has been a force, led by the dynamic duo of Siakam (20.9 PPG) and Tyrese Haliburton (9.5 APG). While they proved they can win in OKC, duplicating that effort against a desperate and elite Thunder team will be an immense challenge. Their .500 road record (20-20) during the season highlights the difficulty of winning consistently away from home.

Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview

Stunned. There’s no other word for the Thunder’s reaction to the Game 1 loss. After a 68-14 season and a near-invincible 35-6 record at the Paycom Center, losing the opener was a massive wake-up call. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was brilliant with 38 points, but the team’s normally stout defense faltered at key moments. Expect a significant adjustment and a renewed sense of urgency. This is a team that posted the league’s best net rating for a reason, combining a top-tier offense with suffocating defense. Facing a must-win scenario, expect OKC to play its most focused and aggressive game of the entire postseason.

Statistical Breakdown and Prediction

This prediction hinges on the situation and the character of the home team. The Thunder are not just a good team; they were historically dominant during the regular season. Losing a one-point thriller in Game 1 after leading the series is the exact scenario that often fuels a blowout victory in Game 2.

• The Response Factor: Elite teams, especially at home, rarely go down 0-2 in a championship series. The Thunder’s pride is on the line, and they need to re-establish the dominance they showed all season.
• Home Court Dominance: A 35-6 home record isn’t a fluke. The Paycom Center is one of the toughest places to play, and after being humbled, the Thunder and their crowd will be at a fever pitch.
• The Spread (-11.5): While large for a Finals game, it reflects the expectation of a significant correction. The Thunder didn’t just win games this season; they won them by large margins. They have the offensive firepower and defensive clamps to turn this into a rout if the Pacers have any sort of shooting regression after a strong Game 1.

The Pacers caught the Thunder off guard and stole a game. Now, they face a wounded, angry, and superior opponent in a true must-win situation. We’re banking on OKC’s talent and desperation to shine through in a statement victory that leaves no doubt.

Our Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder -11.5 (-105)