Thunder vs Pacers NBA Game 2 Pick: Can OKC Even The Series? (Jun 8)

• The Oklahoma City Thunder look to bounce back after failing to close the deal in the series opener.
• Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers aim to take a 2-0 lead before the venue shifts to Indianapolis.
• These squads last played on Jun. 5, with the Pacers escaping with a 111-110 victory.

Sunday’s NBA slate features the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Indiana Pacers in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. Does OKC level the series at one game apiece in our Thunder vs Pacers Game 2 pick?

Thunder vs Pacers Game 2 Preview

The Thunder had not lost a home playoff game in a month heading into these NBA Finals. That trend came to an end though, as they were defeated by the Pacers 111-110 in the series opener.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander guided the offense with 38 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three assists.

Jalen Williams finished with 17 points and six assists. Lu Dort added 15 points and four rebounds, knocking down five of his nine attempts from distance.

Meanwhile, the Pacers’ offense placed six players in double figures. Pascal Siakam was the head honcho for Indiana, finishing with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists.

Obi Toppin contributed 17 points off the bench, including five 3-pointers. Tyrese Haliburton, who has ascended to superstar status in the playoffs, chipped in with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.

OKC led by 12 points at the break and held a 94-79 advantage with 9:42 left in regulation. But as the Pacers have done so many times during their impressive postseason run, they simply refused to go away. And with the game on the line, Haliburton knocked down the game-winning shot to give the Pacers their first and only lead of the contest.

Not only did Indiana overcome 25 turnovers, it also handed OKC just its second home loss when it had led by 15 points in the fourth quarter.

Thunder vs Pacers Game 2 Pick

Despite the humbling Game 1 loss, the Thunder enter this matchup as an 11-point favorite, according to BetOnline. Here are a few trends to consider for both teams ahead of Game 2.

• The Thunder are 18-1 straight-up (SU) in their last 19 games against Eastern Conference opponents.
• OKC is 5-10 against the spread in its previous 15 outings.
• The Pacers are 11-3 overall in their last 14 contests.
• Indiana is 5-2 ATS in its previous seven road matchups against OKC.

Although they faltered down the stretch, the Thunder have been here before. They dropped Game 1 of the semfinals against the Denver Nuggets before winning that series in seven games.

With that tidbit in mind, the Thunder will bounce back to even the series, but just like the opener, the final margin will be less than the predicted spread.