As the NBA Finals continue to thrill fans around the globe, Sunday’s Game 2 between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder promises to be another high-stakes showdown. The Pacers shocked the hosts in Game 1 with a last-gasp 111-110 victory, turning a game-long deficit into a statement win. Now, all eyes shift to how the Thunder will respond — a team well-known for rebounding emphatically when their backs are against the wall.
This Finals series has the makings of a classic: a resilient Indiana squad that thrives in the underdog role, and a fiery Oklahoma City side led by an explosive Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Game 1 had drama, turnovers, and momentum swings — everything you’d expect from teams chasing the crown. Game 2 now becomes pivotal: either the Thunder level it, or the Pacers steal two on the road, seizing full control of the series.
Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder
Match Info
- NBA Finals, Game 2
- Sunday 08 June 2025, 20:00 EST / Monday 09 June 2025, 01:00 BST
- Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, USA
Indiana Pacers
Indiana head into Game 2 riding a wave of belief and momentum. Their victory in the opener wasn’t just a win; it was a demonstration of grit and persistence. Despite trailing for the vast majority of the contest, the Pacers never looked out of sorts. Tyrese Haliburton’s last-second heroics epitomised a team that doesn’t panic under pressure. Their defensive rotations were sharp in the closing stages, and their ability to capitalise on Oklahoma City’s missed opportunities made the difference. This is now the third consecutive playoff series in which Indiana have struck first on the road. They’ve embraced the role of disruptors — and with each win, that confidence only grows.
The challenge will be maintaining composure under what’s expected to be an even more hostile environment. Indiana turned the ball over too frequently in Game 1 and were fortunate that the Thunder failed to punish them more heavily. Cleaning that up will be essential to avoid an Oklahoma City surge.
Oklahoma City Thunder
For Oklahoma City, Game 1 will sting — not just because they lost, but because they controlled the game for long stretches and still let it slip. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 38-point Finals debut was nothing short of elite, but even that wasn’t enough to overcome their own inefficiencies. The Thunder forced 25 turnovers — an exceptional defensive stat — but managed just 11 points from them. That’s where Game 1 was lost.
Historically, this Thunder squad bounces back with force. They haven’t lost two games in a row in these playoffs, and their average winning margin after a defeat stands at a dominant 20.5 points. Expect tactical adjustments from coach Mark Daigneault and a much more ruthless offensive approach in transition. They know what’s at stake — and they know how to respond.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Oklahoma City Thunder to win
Oklahoma City are simply too good to drop back-to-back games at home, especially given how they’ve responded to adversity throughout these playoffs. Expect a more efficient offensive execution, particularly in capitalising on Indiana’s turnovers, and a defensive intensity that ratchets up a level.
America Bet Score Prediction
Indiana Pacers 103 – 117 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder should find their offensive rhythm early, setting the pace and controlling the glass. Indiana will fight but may struggle to match the energy of a fired-up Oklahoma side desperate to level the series.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Oklahoma City Thunder -9.5 handicap
- Total Points Over 219.5
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 32.5 Points
- Tyrese Haliburton Under 22.5 Points
- Thunder to Win First Quarter
- Thunder Over 58.5 First Half Points
- Thunder to Win by 11-15 Points (Winning Margin)
- Pacers Over 15.5 Turnovers
- Josh Giddey Over 7.5 Assists
- Both Teams to Score Over 100 Points
