Thunder vs Pacers Game 1 NBA Player Prop Picks (Jun 5)

Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The top-seeded Thunder return to the Finals for the first time since 2012 behind MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while the Pacers are back on the league’s biggest stage for the first time since 2000, led by All-NBA guard Tyrese Haliburton.

• Defeated the Grizzlies (4-0), Nuggets (4-3), and Timberwolves (4-1) to reach the Finals. They finished the regular season 1st in the West with a 60-22 record.
• Knocked off the Bucks (4-1), Cavaliers (4-1), and Knicks (4-2) to advance out of the East. Indiana went 47-35 in the regular season, finishing 6th.
• The Thunder swept the Pacers 2-0 during the 2024-25 season, winning both matchups by double digits.

Oklahoma City Thunder Player Prop Pick: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Thunder enter the Finals with momentum, maturity, and the best record in the NBA. Led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and supported by rising stars like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, OKC plays a fast, team-first brand of basketball. Their defense has stifled elite scorers all postseason, while their ball movement and spacing allow for efficient shot creation. At home, they’ve been nearly unbeatable in these playoffs and are hungry to capture their first title since relocating from Seattle.

• Scoring Prowess: Averaged 31.4 PPG in the Western Conference Finals.
• Home Court Dominance: SGA is averaging 32.7 PPG at Paycom Center in the postseason.
• Volume + Efficiency: Shooting over 51% from the field on 21 attempts per game in the playoffs.

Indiana Pacers Player Prop Pick: Tyrese Haliburton

Indiana’s Finals run has been defined by depth, pace, and poise. Tyrese Haliburton sets the tone with his elite vision and control, while Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and the bench unit provide scoring and versatility on both ends. Rick Carlisle’s squad thrives in transition and leads the postseason in assists per game. Despite being underdogs, the Pacers have already knocked off three higher seeds and come into the Finals with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

• Elite Vision: Averaged 11.0 APG in the ECF vs. New York.
• Fast-Paced Offense: Pacers lead the playoffs in possessions per game.
• Screen Usage: Haliburton ranks top-3 in playoff assists generated off pick-and-roll actions.