Thunder NBA Finals Favorites | OKC Championship Odds
- The Oklahoma City Thunder are significant betting favorites as they prepare to face the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals.
- Only the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors, who were -1075 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, had shorter odds entering the Finals in the past two decades.
- Game 1 is scheduled for Thursday in Oklahoma City,with the Thunder opening as 9-point favorites.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the resounding favorites in the 2025 NBA finals, and the latest odds reflect their dominance. News Directory 3 breaks down the betting lines, revealing just how significant the Thunder’s advantage is against the Indiana Pacers. Explore the historical context, including instances where teams overcame long odds to claim the championship, and see how the Pacers’ journey from preseason underdogs sets the stage for a captivating series.With Game 1 in Oklahoma City, dissect the factors at play, from the Thunder’s recent success to the Pacers’ underdog status. Can the Pacers pull off a historic upset? Discover what’s next.
Oklahoma City Thunder Huge Favorites in NBA Finals Matchup
Updated May 31, 2025
The Oklahoma City Thunder are significant betting favorites as they prepare to face the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals. According to ESPN BET, the Thunder opened as -750 favorites, while the Pacers are +525 underdogs.
Only the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors, who were -1075 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, had shorter odds entering the Finals in the past two decades. The Thunder’s status reflects high expectations for their performance in the championship series.
Game 1 is scheduled for Thursday in Oklahoma City,with the Thunder opening as 9-point favorites. this marks the Thunder’s first appearance in the NBA Finals since 2013, after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games to secure the Western Conference title.
The Indiana Pacers, who started the season as 50-1 longshots to win the title, advanced to the Finals after defeating the New York Knicks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals. Their journey from preseason underdogs to championship contenders has been remarkable.
Historically, it’s an uphill battle for the Pacers. Over the past 50 years,only two teams that were at least +200 underdogs at the start of the NBA Finals have gone on to win the championship: the 2003-04 Detroit Pistons (+500) and the 2018-19 Toronto Raptors (+230),according to SportsOddsHistory.com.
What’s next
The NBA world now turns its attention to Oklahoma City as the Thunder prepare to host the Pacers in Game 1. Will the Thunder live up to expectations as heavy favorites, or can the Pacers defy the odds and make history?