The Indiana Pacers have been counted out all postseason long. However, they continue to find a way.
The NBA Finals are now tied 1-1 after the Thunder were heavy favorites in both games. The Game 1 win gave the Pacers home-court advantage. We’ll see if Indiana can take literal advantage of it tonight.
Despite the Pacers being at home, the Thunder remain 5.5-point favorites, with the total currently hovering around 228.5.
Check out my best NBA bet for tonight’s Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Wednesday’s Best NBA Playoffs Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers
The Oklahoma City Thunder struggled shooting the basketball in Game 1. However, they looked much better in Game 2, hitting 48.8% from the field. In addition, the Thunder shot nearly 88% from the foul line on 33 attempts and drilled about 39% from downtown on 36 attempts. Oklahoma City also dominated the paint, adding 42 points, and still won the turnover battle, albeit by just one turnover.
More impressively, the Thunder added more offensive rebounds and gained eight more rebounds total. The glass was a big reason for Indiana’s success in Game 1. But Oklahoma City made some adjustments and didn’t allow the Pacers to bully them for a second straight night on the boards.
After all, the Thunder rank third in the NBA postseason in points per 100 possessions. They’ve been able to limit turnovers and consistently get to the foul line. Ultimately, the Thunder have added only 28.4% of offensive rebounds and a 53.1% effective field goal rate. These are average numbers for the postseason. However, the lack of turnovers and ability to get to the free-throw line have been key factors in the Thunder’s success throughout the postseason.
The offense has done its job, but it’s the defense that should get all the praise. Oklahoma City has limited opponents to 106.6 points per 100 possessions. The Thunder have also gained 18.3% of turnovers and have limited teams to a 50.8% effective field goal rate. The Pacers should see the foul line as much as the Thunder. Just don’t expect the Pacers to dominate the offensive glass as much. In addition, the Pacers have the highest effective field goal rate in the postseason. Yet, they’re taking on a Thunder team that makes it difficult to find good shots.
I want to be a believer in the Pacers. But the Thunder are much more complete and should show up in a huge Game 3 matchup with the series tied.
Pick: Thunder -5.5 (-105)
