In a thrilling display of resilience, the Indiana Pacers claimed victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder with a scoreline of 108-91 in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals. This marked their tenth win as underdogs during this postseason. Despite being initially pegged as significant underdogs at +550 odds, the Pacers have defied expectations by keeping the series alive. The game also remained below the betting total for the fourth time in the series. As the teams gear up for the decisive Game 7, the Thunder are favored by -7.5 points, with the betting line reflecting cautious optimism from bettors.
When the Pacers began their journey in the finals, they were not seen as contenders capable of challenging the formidable Thunder squad, who boasted -800 odds to secure the championship. However, the Pacers' performance has rewritten the narrative. Expert handicapper Jon Metler shared insights on potential bets for Game 7. He highlighted the prop bet on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's assists, noting that despite recent lower assist tallies, his role in orchestrating plays remains pivotal. In critical moments like Game 7, Alexander is expected to log extensive minutes, enhancing his chances to exceed the projected assist totals.
Metler also pointed out value in betting on Tyrese Haliburton’s assist count. Despite managing only 23 minutes in Game 6 due to the blowout nature of the match, Haliburton's calf injury appears less concerning than initially feared. Metler suggests that with extended playing time and higher usage rates typical in Game 7 scenarios, Haliburton could surpass his current prop bet lines. The betting market's hesitance to adjust Haliburton's numbers creates an opportunity for savvy bettors to capitalize on potentially undervalued propositions.
As the stage is set for the climactic Game 7, anticipation builds around whether the Pacers can continue their miraculous run or if the Thunder will assert dominance. The betting dynamics reflect the uncertainty surrounding the outcome, with key player performances likely dictating the final result. Fans and analysts alike await the showdown, eager to witness how these pivotal matchups unfold in what promises to be a historic finale.