The Oklahoma City Thunder achieved a hard-fought victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, evening the series at 2-2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 35 points, and Jalen Williams contributed significantly with 27 points. The Thunder dominated the fourth quarter, outscoring the Pacers 31-17, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 15 of the last 16 points for his team.

Despite Indiana's strong start, highlighted by Tyrese Haliburton's enthusiastic supporting role and a vibrant crowd, the Thunder’s strategy proved effective. Chet Holmgren added a double-double to the effort with 14 points and 15 rebounds. The Pacers targeted Isaiah Hartenstein early, exploiting him in pick-and-roll situations, but the Thunder’s resilience paid off to shift the momentum back to their favor.

The Indiana Pacers overcame the odds to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 of the NBA Finals, winning as 5.5-point underdogs. This victory keeps the Pacers' impressive postseason record against the spread intact, while the Thunder are now 0-8 against the spread on the road this playoff season. Despite being down 2-1 in the series, Oklahoma City remains favored to win the Finals at -250, while Indiana sits at +200.

As Game 4 approaches, the Thunder are 6.5-point road favorites, marking the largest spread for any road team in the NBA Finals since 1991. Notable performances have emerged, including Obi Toppin, who tallied 17 points in Game 1 but fell short in Game 3. Experts suggest betting on Toppin to score over 9.5 points in Game 4, given his recent performance. Meanwhile, Aaron Nesmith's assist line at 0.5 presents a unique opportunity for bettors, as he is expected to have a higher output moving forward. Isaiah Hartenstein is also predicted to excel, with opportunities to exceed 2+ assists based on his matchup against the Thunder's defense.

The Indiana Pacers are back at home for Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals, aiming to regain momentum after splitting the first two games against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite losing Game 2 by 16 points, the Pacers can rely on Tyrese Haliburton, who has shown a tendency to perform better on his home court, averaging 24.3 points in the playoffs at home. The odds favor the Thunder by 5.5 points, with a total set at 228.5. Haliburton’s over/under for points is 17.5, a threshold he surpasses more often at home. The matchup also features the 2025 MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, making it a duel of elite point guards.

Key player props highlight Haliburton’s scoring potential along with Isaiah Hartenstein's rebounding and Pascal Siakam’s assists. Hartenstein has consistently exceeded his rebounding total of 7.5, while Siakam’s assists are set at 3.5. With a model predicting strong value in these props, bettors should act quickly as the odds can shift. Another interesting subplot is the presence of Haliburton's father in the stands after a previous ban, which could provide an emotional boost for the young star.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are maintaining their starting lineup for Game 2 of the NBA Finals, despite a narrow loss to the Indiana Pacers in the opener. Coach Mark Daigneault's decision to start backup guard Cason Wallace over center Isaiah Hartenstein was primarily based on matchup concerns. The Pacers have thrived against larger lineups, leading the Thunder to adjust preemptively.

While Wallace's performance was limited to six points in 33 minutes, he struggled to capitalize on his starting role, particularly in handling switches against bigger players like Pascal Siakam. Despite calls for Alex Caruso to replace Wallace, the Thunder are holding firm, emphasizing shooting consistency. Consequently, the team must enhance its half-court offense beyond star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to secure a win in Game 2.

Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised center Isaiah Hartenstein for his impact on the team, highlighting his competitive spirit and ability to contribute in various ways. Daigneault noted Hartenstein's seamless integration into the roster and how crucial he would be against the Indiana Pacers. Despite Hartenstein's limited minutes in Game 1, his performance showed the Thunder's need for his presence to enhance offensive flow. The team struggled with ball movement, falling significantly behind in pass counts compared to the Pacers. Hartenstein, known for his elite screening and playmaking, has the potential to revitalize the Thunder's attack.

His ability to set strategic screens helps open up lanes for star players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Although Hartenstein did not record any assists in Game 1, his on-court metrics indicated the Thunder performed significantly better when he was involved. Daigneault's decision-making regarding Hartenstein's role remains critical as they aim to balance offensive needs with defensive flexibility against the Pacers. Trusting Daigneault's strategy, Hartenstein emphasized the unity of the team as they adjust to pressure and seek to improve in Game 2.