Oklahoma City Thunder Reach NBA Finals for First Time Since 2012
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to compete in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games. They will face off against the Indiana Pacers, who overcame the New York Knicks in six games, marking a thrilling return to the Finals for both teams.
As the series unfolds, the Thunder are overwhelming favorites, opening at -800 odds at BetMGM, while the Pacers sit at +550. This marks the largest Finals favorite position in Thunder franchise history. In comparison, the Thunder entered the 2012 Finals as -175 favorites against the Miami Heat but ultimately lost in five games. Historically, the 2001 Los Angeles Lakers hold the record as the biggest Finals favorites, boasting -2000 odds and securing their series victory against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Thunder have had a standout season, finishing with a remarkable 68-14 record in the competitive Western Conference. Their performance against the spread has also been notable, with a historic 55-23-4 mark, although they have struggled somewhat in the postseason, currently sitting at 7-9 against the spread.
The Pacers, now in the Finals for only the second time, have displayed resilience throughout the playoffs despite being underdogs in their last three series. Indiana won significant games against higher-seeded teams, with their only prior Finals appearance ending in a loss to the Lakers in 2000.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals is set for Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with the Thunder favored by 9 points and a total of 229.5. Fans eagerly await a showdown that promises to deliver high-stakes action and drama.
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