Thunder vs. Pacers betting report: 'We’re taking a lot of Pacers money'

An unexpected NBA Finals matchup — or at least a half-unexpected matchup — has drawn speculation that the series won’t be popular. 

But if betting on NBA Finals odds is any indication, then Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder is plenty popular.

With Game 1 at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, the series definitely has bettors’ attention. Even with OKC a seemingly prohibitive favorite — and perhaps because of that — and Indiana conversely a sizable underdog.

"It’s the odds of the series, making people think it’s gonna turn off the bettors. But it’s not. We’re taking a lot of Pacers money on the series, and we’ve taken a lot of Pacers money the last six weeks," said Johnny Avello, director of sportsbook operations for DraftKings.

Further, thanks to prop bets and such, bettors are finding favorable ways to bet the favorite Thunder, as well.

Avello helps dive into NBA Finals odds and action.

A Lot of Opportunities

Oklahoma City is a hefty -700 favorite to win the NBA Finals, meaning it takes a $700 bet to win $100 (total payout $800). On the flip side, Indiana is a +500 underdog, so a $100 bet would profit $500 (total payout $600) if the Pacers pull the upset.

"It’s a different look. But nevertheless, it’s the NBA Finals, and it’ll write big business," Avello said.

As noted above, public bettors are attracted to the Pacers’ series price. It’s an opportunity to bet a little and win five times that bet. But there are opportunities to boost profits on the favorite, too.

"Betting the Thunder on the number of games in the series, you’re getting a plus-money price," Avello said. "If you think the Thunder win in five games, it’s +250. A six-game series is +450, or a sweep is +260. That’s one way people are betting it."

To spell it out