The NBA Finals are heating up as the Oklahoma City Thunder emerge as one of the biggest betting favorites in recent history. Opening at -750 against the Indiana Pacers, the Thunder’s odds reflect their dominant playoff run, making them a formidable contender. As of 2025-06-01 07:18:00, the Pacers, starting as +525 underdogs, face an uphill battle in this championship series.
- David Purdum joined ESPN in 2014.
- Thunder favored at -750 over Pacers.
- Game 1 set for Thursday in Oklahoma City.
- Pacers were 50-1 preseason title odds.
- Historical underdog success rate is low.
- Thunder return to Finals after 2013.
The Thunder’s return to the Finals, their first since 2013, comes after a decisive victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Meanwhile, the Pacers, who began the season with 50-1 odds to win the title, stunned many by advancing past the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. Can they defy the odds and make history?
The matchup raises intriguing questions about the nature of underdog success in the Finals. Historically, only two teams with similar odds have emerged victorious. Will the Pacers break the trend, or will the Thunder solidify their dominance?
- The Thunder are 9-point favorites in Game 1.
- The Pacers could become the biggest long-shot champions in 40 years.
- Only two teams have won the Finals as +200 underdogs in the last 50 years.
As the Finals approach, fans worldwide are eager to see if the Thunder can fulfill expectations or if the Pacers will pull off a historic upset. Stay tuned for Game 1 on Thursday!