Well, it was worth the wait. The 2025 NBA Finals started with a Game 1 that ended with what was all but a buzzer-beater that saw the Indiana Pacers upset the Oklahoma City Thunder in a 111-110 finish. It was also worth the wait with the best bet from our Pacers vs. Thunder predictions hitting, so we’re back for Game 2.

We’ll also help fans add to their Pacers vs. Thunder picks with a guaranteed Sleeper Fantasy promo code bonus! 

Pacers vs. Thunder Predictions For NBA Finals Game 2, 6/8

If you had just watched the first half back on Thursday night, you’d be extremely confused as to how on Earth we said the NBA Finals were worth the wait. The Pacers had nearly 20 turnovers, and while a 12-point halftime deficit isn’t record-breaking, they never truly looked in the game.

In fact, Indiana never led the whole game until Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winner with 0.3 seconds left. It was the latest since Michael Jordan in 1997, but as you’d expect, we’ll be diving more into Haliburton’s heroics specifically. Regardless, he lifted his team from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

As for Game 2 Pacers vs. Thunder predictions, the script really doesn’t need to change a ton for OKC. They just need to fully capitalize on all those turnovers they forced, especially down the stretch, as they went 0-for-5 from three in the fourth quarter. 

It was Indiana’s Andrew Nembhard who came through for the best bet from our Pacers vs. Thunder picks previously, and we’ve found another spot that we love for Game 2.
 

 

 

Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton Hoses The Thunder

What can we really say? Look, we know that by now, plenty of fans have been hearing all about Tyrese Haliburton’s historic playoff run, but at the end of the day, it simply can’t be ignored. While it may not have technically been a buzzer-beater, this Game 1 winner forced a catch-and-shoot situation only for the Thunder to try and win.

We say “this” winner because it’s now the FOURTH one Haliburton has had this postseason, along with five seconds or less remaining! For perspective, that's already the third-most for a player’s CAREER, and since he’s had one previously, his five such shots trail only none other than LeBron James.
 

 

 

Oklahoma City Thunder: Youth vs. Experience

On the opposite end of that history was, of course, the Thunder. It was shocking in itself, and it was even more polarizing because OKC entered these NBA Finals with some historic trends of themselves. For example, they’ve had four wins of 30+ points this postseason, which, as you’d expect, is a league record.

Another aspect that fans focused on that was historic was one that may have led to them dropping Game 1 - their youth. With an average age of just 25.6, they’re the youngest team to reach the NBA Finals since the 1976-77 season. They don’t have a single player with over 10 years of experience, so perhaps they were missing that voice down the stretch on Thursday.
 

 

 

Pacers vs. Thunder Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

Despite the Game 1 loss, it’s still no surprise to see OKC as heavy favorites at home - here are the latest Pacers vs. Thunder odds for Game 2:

 

 

 

Pacers vs. Thunder Best Bet: Chet Holmgren Over 14.5 Points (Enjoy Player Picks At Sleeper Fantasy)

As mentioned, our Pacers vs. Thunder predictions focused on Indiana’s Andrew Nembhard, who actually ended up getting some love after how well he performed in the fourth quarter of Game 1. 

You just saw the OKC remains a huge favorite for Sunday night, and while we certainly understand that, it’s so difficult to back a double-digit point spread in an NBA Finals game. It’s also worth pointing out another aspect of the Pacers vs. Thunder odds - we see that the total has decreased a full three points. 

That’s certainly noteworthy given OKC’s proficiency and Indiana’s pace, but even still, we’ve got our eyes on the player prop markets. This time, we’re focused on the home team. Value is often more difficult to come by when targeting home player props, but we’ve actually got a couple of Pacers vs. Thunder picks to consider.

For maximum value, we wouldn’t mind taking Chet Holmgren to record a double-double, which has odds upwards of +185 at some sportsbooks! While the Minnesota Timberwolves' defense was a strong one for him to deal with last round, he had a double-double in five of seven games against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets the round prior!

Regardless, we’ll stay with what we’d consider to be a more conservative approach. We saw OKC go small for Game 1, and while that meant Isaiah Hartenstein coming off the bench, it also led to far fewer minutes for Holmgren. We expect that to change given that the Pacers have no issues playing small.

Prior to Thursday’s Game 1, Holmgren had 20+ points in back-to-back games and 15+ in six of the last eight games. Along with 15 in both regular-season games versus Indiana (including a double-double), we have Chet Holmgren over 14.5 points (use his player card at Sleeper Fantasy) as the best bet from our Pacers vs. Thunder predictions.
 

 

 

Pacers vs. Thunder Injury Report & Starting Lineup

For fans of teams other than OKC and Indiana that just want to see good basketball, along with a thrilling finish, the lack of Pacers vs. Thunder injury news is also an excellent prospect for a great series overall. 

What was actually interesting was seeing Thunder choose to start Cason Wallace and have Isaiah Hartenstein come off the bench. With them not getting the result they were looking for, our expected Pacers vs. Thunder lineups for Game 2 have that switched, but that’s the aspect to keep an eye on:

IND Pacers:

OKC Thunder:

 

 

 

How To Target Pacers vs. Thunder At Sleeper & Claim Your Two-Part $100+ Bonus With Promo Code ALARM

Even if you’re a fan in OKC that can’t lock in Pacers vs. Thunder picks from a legal sports betting perspective, we’ve got you covered! That’s with player pick ‘em lineups at Sleeper Fantasy, and here’s how to score a guaranteed welcome boost:

  1. Click here for a new Sleeper account
  2. Enter our Sleeper Fantasy promo code ALARM
  3. Make your initial deposit for $10+ and up to $100
  4. Receive 100% of the amount in bonus funds GUARANTEED!

In other words, you’re instantly doubling the amount that you have to submit lineups with! The platform also provides DAILY free player picks, so whether you like the sound of our Pacers vs. Thunder predictions or not, be sure to sign up today with our exclusive Sleeper Fantasy promo code ALARM!