Pacers vs. Thunder – NBA Finals Game 2

Sunday, 8:00 p.m. ET • Paycom Center, Oklahoma City

Our Pick: Pacers +11.5

The stage is set for Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, following a thrilling opener where Indiana secured a dramatic 111-110 victory thanks to Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch buzzer-beater. Entering tonight’s matchup in Oklahoma City, the Pacers find themselves substantial underdogs with a +11.5 spread, a position that significantly undervalues their demonstrated resilience and balanced team performance.

Indiana’s ability to remain composed in high-pressure scenarios has become their defining trait this postseason. In Game 1, despite facing a daunting 15-point fourth-quarter deficit, the Pacers remained poised, orchestrating an impressive comeback built around timely scoring and relentless rebounding. Their dominance on the glass was a decisive factor, out-rebounding Oklahoma City by a remarkable margin of 56-39, including securing 13 crucial offensive boards. This rebounding edge, spearheaded by Myles Turner and the Pacers’ active frontcourt, severely limited second-chance opportunities for the Thunder.

Tyrese Haliburton, whose heroic performance included 21 fourth-quarter points, showcased his growth into a dependable playoff leader. His ability to create offense under pressure ensures Indiana remains competitive even against elite defenses. Moreover, the Pacers exhibited exceptional offensive balance, with six players reaching double-digit scoring. Such depth complicates defensive planning for Oklahoma City, who struggled defensively when forced to rotate beyond star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

While Oklahoma City boasts considerable talent and is expected to rebound in Game 2, Indiana’s consistency on the road (7-2 in these playoffs) and effective strategic adjustments under experienced coach Rick Carlisle (4-2 ATS in Game 2 scenarios this postseason) bode well for them covering the sizable spread. Additionally, the Thunder’s reliance on Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 38 points but needed 30 shot attempts, underscores the need for more balanced scoring and improved efficiency from the rest of their lineup.

With Indiana’s proven resilience, significant rebounding advantage, and balanced scoring, Game 2 is likely to remain closely contested. While an Oklahoma City victory is possible, the Pacers’ capacity to execute under pressure strongly supports the likelihood of them covering the +11.5 spread comfortably.