Thunder vs. Pacers betting report: ‘We’re taking a number of Pacers cash’

An surprising NBA Finals matchup — or a minimum of a half-unexpected matchup — has drawn hypothesis that the collection gained’t be standard. 

But when betting on NBA Finals odds is any indication, then Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder is loads standard.

With Sport 1 at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, the collection positively has bettors’ consideration. Even with OKC a seemingly prohibitive favourite — and maybe due to that — and Indiana conversely a large underdog.

“It’s the percentages of the collection, making folks suppose it’s gonna flip off the bettors. However it’s not. We’re taking a number of Pacers cash on the collection, and we’ve taken a number of Pacers cash the final six weeks,” mentioned Johnny Avello, director of sportsbook operations for DraftKings.

Additional, due to prop bets and such, bettors are discovering favorable methods to wager the favourite Thunder, as properly.

Avello helps dive into NBA Finals odds and motion.

A Lot of Alternatives

Oklahoma Metropolis is a hefty -700 favourite to win the NBA Finals, which means it takes a $700 wager to win $100 (whole payout $800). On the flip facet, Indiana is a +500 underdog, so a $100 wager would revenue $500 (whole payout $600) if the Pacers pull the upset.

“It’s a special look. However however, it’s the NBA Finals, and it’ll write large enterprise,” Avello mentioned.

As famous above, public bettors are drawn to the Pacers’ collection worth. It’s a chance to wager a bit of and win 5 instances that wager. However there are alternatives to spice up earnings on the favourite, too.

“Betting the Thunder on the variety of video games within the collection, you’re getting a plus-money worth,” Avello mentioned. “If you happen to suppose the Thunder win in 5 video games, it’s +250. A six-game collection is +450, or a sweep is +260. That’s a technique persons are betting it.”

To spell it out in full: Fairly than betting $700 on OKC -700 to win the collection — once more, to revenue $100 — one might wager $100 on Thunder +250 to win in 5 video games to revenue $250.

For Thursday’s best-of-seven collection opener, bettors are getting concerned on each side, although in numerous methods. Late Saturday evening, DraftKings opened the Thunder -9, and on Wednesday afternoon, OKC superior to -9.5.

On the moneyline — simply wagering on which staff wins the sport, no matter margin — it’s Oklahoma Metropolis -410/Indiana +320.

“In Sport 1, they’re betting the ‘canine on the moneyline. However on the unfold, they’re betting the Thunder,” Avello mentioned.

Adam Silver weighs in on Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals

Wants and Liabilities

Oklahoma Metropolis was both No. 1 or No. 2 in NBA championship odds all season lengthy. Now, as famous above, the Thunder are sturdy favorites.

That wasn’t the case for Indiana. There have been factors throughout the common season the place bettors might get the Pacers at +10000 (100/1) or extra in NBA Finals futures odds.

On the outset of the playoffs, in mid-April, you might nonetheless get Indiana at a hefty +8500 to elevate the trophy. A $100 wager again then can be 4 wins away from $8,500 revenue now.

So DraftKings’ want for the time being isn’t any shock.

“The best end result for us is for the Thunder to win the entire thing, as a result of they had been a brief worth all 12 months,” Avello mentioned. “Whereas the Pacers had been longer photographs earlier than the playoffs began. It doesn’t take a lot to construct up legal responsibility.”

I Like Large Bets and I Can not Lie

A DraftKings buyer waited till late April to become involved with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, however then did so with a splash.

On April 28, the bettor put $100,000 on Thunder -175 to win the Western Convention. OKC delivered a 4-1 collection win over Minnesota, and the client profited $57,140 (whole payout $157,140).

However there may very well be much more to return for this bettor, who has two main wagers on the Thunder to win the NBA Finals:

$105,000 Thunder +160$100,000 Thunder +130

The primary wager would revenue $168,000 and the second $130,000 if the Thunder — now -700 favorites to win the championship — declare their first NBA title. That’s $298,000 potential revenue, on a complete payout of $503,000.

On the flip facet, small bets that money large are fairly good, as properly. 

A FanDuel Sportsbook buyer already realized that after with a $100 wager on Pacers +7000 to win the Japanese Convention, a wager made again on Feb. 20.

In order that wager already cashed for $7,000 revenue. On the identical time, the bettor put $100 on Pacers +13000 (130/1) to win the NBA Finals.

If in some way the Pacers pull the large upset, that buyer knocks down one other $13,000 in revenue. It’s exhausting to not root for a five-figure win on a $100 wager.

Patrick Everson is a sports activities betting analyst for FOX Sports activities and senior reporter for VegasInsider.com. He’s a distinguished journalist within the nationwide sports activities betting house. He’s based mostly in Las Vegas, the place he enjoys {golfing} in 110-degree warmth. Observe him on X: @PatrickE_Vegas.

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