Betting the NBA Finals: Bets to make on Game 1 - ESPN

At last, the 2025 NBA Finals tip off tonight as the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Indiana Pacers at 8:30 p.m. ET at Paycom Center.

The Thunder, fresh off a 68-14 regular season and a dominant playoff run led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are overwhelming favorites, boasting the league's best defense and a relentless pace. Their only test was a seven-game slugfest against the Denver Nuggets, but they've otherwise steamrolled opponents.

The Pacers, in their first Finals in 25 years, counter with a historic offense orchestrated by Tyrese Haliburton, thriving on precision and corner 3-pointers. This clash of small-market teams promises a high-speed, turnover-driven battle, with Oklahoma City's suffocating defense facing Indiana's multi-faceted attack.

Will Haliburton's pick-and-roll wizardry continue? Will Indiana's motion offense crack OKC's armor, or will the Thunder's depth and defensive tenacity overwhelm? The stage is set for a thrilling series opener that could be closer than the spread suggests.

Here are our analysts' bets that stand out for the game.

Odds are as of publication time. For the most up-to-date odds, visit ESPN BET

Chet Holmgren over 9.5 rebounds (+110).

This is an excellent spot for Holmgren against a small Pacers team that ranks near the bottom of the league in rebounding. He cleared this line against Indiana earlier this season and, in the most recent matchup, he finished with eight rebounds in just 28 minutes. With only Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam as Indiana's legitimate rebounders, I expect Holmgren to follow suit on Thursday. --Moody

Tyrese Haliburton under 31.5 points (-110).

Haliburton faces an Oklahoma City defense that finished first in defensive rating during the regular season, and