Thunder's Strong Position Heading into Game 5
The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading into Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals with a commanding presence in the betting odds, despite the series being tied 2-2 against the Indiana Pacers. According to data from DraftKings Sportsbook, the Thunder are listed as 9.5-point favorites for the upcoming game scheduled for June 16 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. This significant spread reflects the confidence oddsmakers have in the Thunder, who have a strong 9-2 record at home during the 2025 playoffs.
Throughout the season, the Thunder have been a dominant force, finishing the regular season with an impressive 68-14 record and securing the No. 1 overall seed in the Western Conference. Their performance against the spread during the regular season was equally notable, with a 55-23-4 mark, the best in the past 35 seasons. However, their postseason record against the spread stands at 7-9, indicating some inconsistency in covering expectations in critical games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP Odds and Game 4 Heroics
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder's star player, remains a focal point of attention as the series progresses. He is currently the clear favorite to win Finals MVP, with odds reported at -500 by various sportsbooks. His performance in Game 4 was pivotal, as he led a late rally to secure a comeback victory for Oklahoma City, tying the series at 2-2 after trailing for much of the second half. This clutch performance has only solidified his standing among bettors and analysts alike.
The impact of Gilgeous-Alexander's play cannot be overstated. Despite struggling for parts of Game 4, his fourth-quarter heroics showcased why he is considered a league MVP candidate, with earlier odds this season reported at -600 to win the regular-season award. His ability to perform under pressure continues to drive the Thunder's championship aspirations and betting confidence.
Series Outlook and Betting Trends
Looking at the broader series odds, the Thunder are heavily favored to win the 2025 NBA Finals, with current lines at -550 to claim the championship. This marks them as the biggest favorites in franchise history for a Finals series, as noted in reports from Yahoo Sports. In contrast, the Pacers are listed as underdogs at +525, a challenging position historically, with only one team since 1969 overcoming odds of +250 or worse to win the Finals—the 2004 Detroit Pistons.
The Pacers, however, have shown resilience on the road, posting a 7-3 record in away games during the playoffs, including a victory at Paycom Center in Game 1. As Game 5 approaches, bettors are keenly watching trends and matchup stats available on platforms like OddsShark, which provide live betting lines and injury reports. With tipoff set for 8:30 p.m. ET on June 16, broadcast on ABC, the stage is set for a critical showdown that could shift the momentum of this tightly contested series.