DKNetwork Logo DKNetwork Logo
How the public is betting Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals Game 5

How the public is betting Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals Game 5

Basketball NBA DraftKings Sportsbook Insights

Published:

By: Sean Barnard

The Indiana Pacers were 12 minutes away from taking a commanding 3-1 series lead in the NBA Finals. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder came storming back in the fourth quarter of Game 4, outscoring the Pacers 31-17 largely on the back of a heroic individual effort from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander down the stretch.

This NBA Finals series now returns to Oklahoma City essentially as a best-of-three series. In a 2-2 series, 74% of teams that win Game 5 go on to win the Finals across NBA history. It is difficult not to look at the Game 4 results as a huge missed opportunity from the Pacers’ perspective, but this squad has proven resilient time and time again across this postseason run.

Looking at the Game 5 odds, the Thunder enter as nine-point favorites and -410 on the Moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Pacers hold +320 odds of pulling off the outright upset, with the game total set at 224.5.

Despite the significant difference in odds, the public appears split on DraftKings Sportsbook on which side to back.

Thunder vs. Pacers Betting Splits

DraftKings Sportsbook bettors are backing the Thunder Moneyline with 51% of the bets and 55% of the betting handle on Oklahoma City. In contrast, 49% of the bets and 45% of the handle are taking the Pacers to win.

The outlook is more split on the spread, with just 26% of bets and 49% of the betting handle taking the Thunder to cover at -9. This leaves 74% of the bets and 51% of the betting handle backing Indiana to cover at +9.

The most clear consensus is on the game total, with 71% of bets and 54% of the betting handle backing over 224.5 total points. To this point, the game has gone under this total in three of the four games played with the Thunder’s Game 2 victory being the exception.

You can check back for updated betting splits on DraftKings Sportsbook here, with late money always a possibility.

Here are the most popular player props for the Pacers vs. Thunder Game 5 matchup:

  1. Chet Holmgren 1st Point Scorer (+500)
  2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 1st Point Scorer (+450)
  3. Pascal Siakam 1st Point Scorer (+750)
  4. Lu Dort Under 1.5 Made Three-Pointers (+135)
  5. Tyrese Haliburton 1st Point Scorer (+1200)
  6. Pascal Siakam 30+ Combined Points, Rebounds & Assists (-125)
  7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Record 30+ Points (-265)
  8. Jalen Williams 1st Point Scorer (+500)
  9. Obi Toppin Under 10.5 Points (-115)
  10. Myles Turner Over 13.5 Points (-115)

Sean Barnard
Sean Barnard
Sean Barnard is a Philadelphia-based writer with experience in the sports media and the betting space since 2020. He has a particular focus on the NBA, but covers a wide range that includes the NFL, WNBA, college basketball, and the MLB. Sean started working for DraftKings Network in 2024. Prior to this you can read his work at ClutchPoints, Philly Sports Network, and Heavy Sports. He also is still active in the Philadelphia Sports Radio scene and is a writer for Crossing Broad.
Disclaimer

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.