The 2024-25 NBA Finals is all tied up at 2-2 as the series shifts back to Oklahoma, with the OKC Thunder hosting the Indiana Pacers. Game 5 tips off at 10:30am AEST on Tuesday morning.
Read on for our full NBA Finals Game 5 preview, best bet, and Thunder vs Pacers Same Game Multi. And if you’re keen to follow along and tail our NBA Finals tips, make sure to Join Dabble Today!
Thunder vs Pacers: NBA Finals Game 5 Predictions & Tips
Game 4 Recap
The Indiana Pacers will rue what could have been in the fourth game of their series against the OKC Thunder. With home court advantage, and a 2-1 lead, the Pacers were in control through three quarters with an 87-80 lead. The Pacers had dominated fourth quarters throughout the series, but this time, the result was reversed as the Thunder quickly tied the game with more than eight minutes to play.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took over down the stretch as the MVP dropped 15 points in the fourth, leading the Thunder to a 111-104 victory. SGA finished with 35 points, including a perfect 10-10 at the free throw line. Jalen Williams was excellent with 27 points and a perfect 11-11 from the charity stripe. Alex Caruso continues to impress on the offensive end of the floor, finishing with 20 points on 7-9 shooting, as well as five steals.
Caruso is showcasing his championship experience from his days with the Lakers. Defence is always his first mindset, but in the NBA Finals so far, he has scored 20 points twice. This is providing a strong boost off the bench.
For the Pacers, it was shaping as another good team effort prior to the fourth quarter collapse, when playing stagnant basketball as head coach Rick Carlisle outlined. The home team seemed to be trying to defend their lead rather than pushing the pace. Credit must be given to the league’s best defensive team however, as the Thunder pressured the Pacers into using more of the shot clock.
Can the Thunder take control? Here’s Our Thunder vs Pacers Tip
Every game tells a story. For Game 4, it was a must-win game for the Thunder to avoid a 3-1 hole. This time around, all that pressure shifts to the visiting Pacers. They must now win another game on the Thunder’s home court, which will be no easy feat.
Intensifying defense in the fourth helped prove the difference, as the Thunder held the Pacers to just 17 points in the fourth of Game 4. Expect the Thunder to receive a huge boost from their fans, as the raucous Paycom Center will come to life after every Thunder basket.
SGA and Williams will drive the offense for OKC. Both of their All Stars are going to take their 15 to 25 shots from the field. Chet Holmgren is the player to watch after hurting his ankle in Game 4. The 7-footer continued to play throughout but may not be at 100 per cent for Game 5.
Looking at the Pacers, they must run the offense through point guard Tyrese Haliburton and power forward Pascal Siakam. Another performance like Game 4 from their leading duo will not be enough to claim victory on the road. When they push the pace, they look threatening, and this must be a focus for the Pacers to keep this game close. If they remain in touching distance of the Thunder, they can pull another rabbit out of the hat, with Haliburton likely to be the player to take any tough, clutch shot late in the game.
Defense wins championships and the Thunder have too many quality defenders in their starting lineup and coming off the bench. As much as I would like to see a thrilling Game 5, this game has the potential to spell the beginning of the end for the fairytale run of the Pacers. A blowout victory for the Thunder seems likely.
Thunder -9.5
$1.94 (1.5 Units)
Thunder vs Pacers Same Game Multi
Thunder win: The OKC Thunder almost looks morals at home, so we can throw this straight into the SGM to start.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30+ points: SGA is going to be aggressive, looking to draw shooting fouls and knock down shots at the free throw line. He should be the leading scorer.
Jalen Williams 20+ points: J-Dub plays the Robin role to SGA’s Batman, and there is no reason to think he won’t be looking to create his own offense, especially with drives to the rim.
Pascal Siakam 18+ points: Siakam needs to be looking to score if the Pacers are to have any chance of success.
Same Game Multi Odds: $3.50 at BetReal
Thunder vs Pacers Game 5 Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Tuesday, 17th June
Time: 10:30am AEST
Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
Odds: OKC Thunder ($1.23) vs Indiana Pacers ($4.20)
Line: OKC Thunder -9.5
Points: 224.5
Where to Watch the 2025 NBA Finals?
You can watch every game of the 2025 NBA Finals live on Kayo Sports.
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