Kristina Roberts
The Oklahoma City Thunder have made it to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012 after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. Their opponent will be the Indiana Pacers, who secured their spot by beating the New York Knicks in six games. The Thunder are not just favorites to win the series—they are the biggest favorites in the history of their franchise.
According to BetMGM, the Thunder opened as -800 favorites, meaning you would have to bet $800 to win $100 if they take the championship. On the other hand, the Pacers are the underdogs at +550, meaning a $100 bet could win $550 if they pull off an upset. This is the first time Oklahoma City has been such a heavy favorite in the NBA Finals.
In 2012, when the Thunder last reached the Finals, they were -175 favorites against the Miami Heat but lost in five games. Even when the team was known as the Seattle SuperSonics back in 1978, they were only -140 favorites against the Washington Bullets. This shows just how much confidence bookmakers and fans have in this year’s Thunder squad.
The biggest favorites in NBA Finals history were the 2001 Los Angeles Lakers, who were -2000 against the Philadelphia 76ers and won the series in five games. The 2018 Golden State Warriors were the second-biggest favorites at -1075 when they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, being a heavy favorite doesn’t always guarantee victory. The 2004 Lakers were -700 favorites against the Detroit Pistons but ended up losing the series.
The Thunder have been the best team in the league this season, finishing with a remarkable 68-14 record in the tough Western Conference. They also had an incredible 55-23-4 record against the spread during the regular season, which was the best in 35 years. This means they not only won games but also covered the point spread more often than any other team in decades.
While the Thunder haven’t been as strong against the spread in the playoffs (7-9), they have shown up when it matters most. They won a hard-fought Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets in the conference semifinals and made crucial shots in Game 4 against the Timberwolves to close out the series. Their ability to perform under pressure makes them even more dangerous in the Finals.
On the other side, the Indiana Pacers are in the NBA Finals for only the second time in franchise history. Their first appearance was in 2000 when they lost to the Lakers, who were -800 favorites at the time. This year, the Pacers have been a surprise team, winning seven playoff games as underdogs. They were favorites in their first-round series against an injured Milwaukee Bucks team but were underdogs against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks in the later rounds.
The Pacers have played with heart and determination, proving that they belong in the Finals. However, beating the Thunder will be their toughest challenge yet. Oklahoma City has been dominant all season, with a deep roster full of young talent and experienced leaders. Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams have been unstoppable, making the Thunder a nightmare matchup for any team.
The Pacers will rely on their fast-paced offense and strong team chemistry to compete. Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner have been key players in their playoff run. If they can keep up their high-scoring style and limit the Thunder’s explosive offense, they might have a chance to pull off an upset. But most experts believe the Thunder’s defense and star power will be too much for Indiana to handle.
Fans are excited to see how this series plays out. Will the Thunder live up to the hype and win their first championship since moving to Oklahoma City? Or will the Pacers shock the world and prove that underdogs can rise to the occasion? The odds heavily favor the Thunder, but as history has shown, anything can happen in the NBA Finals.
One thing is certain—this series will be full of excitement, big plays, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re rooting for the Thunder or the Pacers, the 2025 NBA Finals will be a showdown worth watching. The games will test the skills, endurance, and mental toughness of both teams, and only one will emerge as the champion.
As the series begins, all eyes will be on Oklahoma City to see if they can complete their incredible season with a title. Meanwhile, the Pacers will fight with everything they have to prove that they deserve to be called champions. No matter the outcome, this Finals matchup will go down in history as one of the most interesting in recent years.
The Thunder have the talent, the momentum, and the odds in their favor. But the Pacers have shown time and again that they thrive when counted out. Will the favorites dominate, or will the underdogs have their moment? Basketball fans around the world will be watching closely to find out.
The stage is set, the teams are ready, and the battle for the NBA championship is about to begin. Who will rise to the occasion and lift the trophy? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—this is going to be an unforgettable series.
