The 2025 NBA Finals heat up as the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to host the Indiana Pacers for a pivotal Game 2. The Pacers currently hold a surprising 1-0 lead in the series.
Game 1 told a tale of two halves. The Thunder appeared dominant for most of the contest, controlling the pace and scoreboard. They led by as much as 15 points in the fourth quarter and capitalized on Indiana’s sloppy ball-handling—20 turnovers in just the first half. It looked like a comfortable win for OKC.
But the Pacers weren’t finished. Mounting a stunning comeback in the final minutes, Indiana clawed their way back into contention. Then, with a mere 0.3 seconds left, Tyrese Haliburton drained a miraculous game-winner, securing a shocking 111-110 victory and stealing home-court advantage in the process.
With Game 2 set at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, the Thunder are desperate to even the series before heading into what promises to be a rowdy Indiana crowd for Games 3 and 4.
NBA Finals Game 2 Picks and Predictions: Thunder vs. Pacers
According to a panel of experts from Sports, the Thunder are still expected to take the series. Every analyst selected OKC as the eventual champion, with varying predictions:
- Scooby Axson: Thunder in five
- Jordan Mendoza: Thunder in six
- Lorenzo Reyes: Thunder in six
- James Williams: Thunder in six
- Jeff Zillgitt: Thunder in five
Their collective Game 2 predictions suggest a bounce-back performance is on the horizon for Oklahoma City:
- Sports Prediction: Thunder 122, Pacers 107
- Sports Alternate Prediction: Thunder 123, Pacers 106
Analysts point to favorable stats for the Thunder, including a 7-3 record in their last ten games and a 4-6 record against the spread. Their games have averaged 220.6 total points, slightly under the 227.5 total set for Game 2.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, recently crowned league MVP, has torched the Pacers this season. In three matchups, he’s averaged an eye-popping 38.7 points and 12.7 rebounds/assists. Many believe he’ll easily hit a 30-point triple-double—even if he doesn’t play the full game.
On the flip side, Haliburton will again face the defensive gauntlet of Luguentz Dort. In three prior meetings this season, Haliburton has been held to just 12 points per game. Analysts suggest that unless Indiana can unlock new offensive strategies, another Oklahoma City blowout could be in store.
Thunder vs. Pacers Game 2 Betting Odds (via BetMGM, as of June 6)
- Spread: Thunder -10.5
- Moneyline: Thunder -600; Pacers +425
- Over/Under: 228.5
NBA Finals 2025: Full Schedule (Eastern Time)
- Game 1: Pacers 111, Thunder 110
- Game 2 (June 8): Pacers at Thunder | ABC, Fubo | 8 p.m.
- Game 3 (June 11): Thunder at Pacers | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.
- Game 4 (June 13): Thunder at Pacers | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.
- Game 5 (June 16): Pacers at Thunder | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.*
- Game 6 (June 19): Thunder at Pacers | ABC, Fubo | 8:30 p.m.*
- Game 7 (June 22): Pacers at Thunder | ABC, Fubo | 8 p.m.*
*If necessary
Stay tuned for more updates, expert insights, and game-day breakdowns. If you make a purchase through affiliate links provided in our content, we may receive a commission. Product prices are current as of publication but are subject to change.