The Indiana Pacers at +450 odds on BlackStarGambling.com present a compelling value bet in the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, primarily due to their proven resilience and clutch performance in the postseason. The Pacers have consistently defied expectations, entering the Finals as 50-1 long shots and defeating strong teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks, often as underdogs. Their Game 1 victory, a 111-110 comeback led by Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning shot with 0.3 seconds left, demonstrates their ability to compete against elite teams like the Thunder, who were -700 favorites. This upset, coupled with Indiana’s high-octane offense (second-best playoff offensive efficiency at 117.7 points per 100 possessions), shows they can exploit Oklahoma City’s defense, which, while elite, allowed 66 points in the second half of Game 1.
Moreover, the Pacers’ ability to stage improbable comebacks—three in these playoffs alone, including a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit in Game 1—makes them a dangerous underdog at +450. Their fast-paced, disciplined offense, led by Haliburton (18.8 points, 9.8 assists) and Pascal Siakam (21.1 points), thrives under pressure, as evidenced by their 35-point fourth quarter in Game 1. With 69% of public wagers backing Indiana to cover in Game 2, the betting market reflects confidence in their competitiveness. Despite the Thunder’s depth and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance, the Pacers’ knack for stealing games on the road (winning Game 1 in each of their last three series) suggests they could extend the series or even pull off a historic upset, making the +450 odds a high-value opportunity.