NBA Finals Odds: Game 1 Betting Analysis

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NBA Finals Odds and Analysis

Indiana Pacers Deliver a Strong and Direct Blow with Dramatic Game 1 Win in the NBA Finals

A Team That Never Gives Up

Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers are proving that you should never give up, even when everything seems lost. In Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the Pacers pulled off an incredible feat by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder  111-110 with a Haliburton jumper just 0.3 seconds before the buzzer. It was their only lead of the game… and it was enough!

These kinds of stories keep basketball fans and bettors glued to the action because with teams like Indiana, you never know what might happen. That’s why everyone keeps a close eye on the NBA 1st Half Lines .

Haliburton: The New “Mr. Clutch”

It’s not the first time Haliburton has saved his team at the last moment. During the playoffs, he has delivered multiple magical moments:

• Against Milwaukee, he hit a game-winner with just 1.4 seconds on the clock.
• Against Cleveland, he hit another clutch shot with 1.1 seconds remaining.
• Against New York, he forced overtime with a buzzer-beater at the end of regulation.

These moments not only excite fans but also cause the NBA 2nd Half Lines to shift constantly throughout the game. A team like Indiana may look like a sure loss early on, but can turn things around in the final seconds.

Before Game 1, the NBA Finals odds favored the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that had won 36 of 37 home games when leading by 15 points. But Indiana broke all predictions.

Making Mistakes but Never Quitting

In the first half, the Pacers committed 19 turnovers and ended with 25 total, tying their worst record of the entire season. Still, they managed to find a way to win. Sports betting experts are aware that these mistakes can impact the NBA Finals Odds, but they also recognize that the Pacers always fight until the end.

Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle had already led a historic comeback in 2011 with the Dallas Mavericks. Now, he’s doing it again.

A Lesson for Bettors

Games like this show why you should never rely solely on statistics when betting. Even when the NBA Finals odds heavily favor one team, there’s always room for surprise. Indiana has now won five games in these playoffs after trailing by more than 15 points in each of them.

That’s why, if you plan to bet, review the NBA odds carefully—but also consider the team’s heart, mindset, and experience under pressure.

In Summary

The Indiana Pacers are the perfect example that in basketball, nothing is decided until the final buzzer. They’ve defied expectations, statistics, and, of course, the NBA first-half lines, with their fighting spirit.

If you’re a sports fan or learning about betting, keep an eye on the Pacers. You never know when they’ll create magic again.

Haliburton, the Last-Second Hero

The Indiana Pacers struck first in the 2025 NBA Finals with an incredible 111-110 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, thanks to a clutch shot from Tyrese Haliburton with just 0.3 seconds left on the clock. The team had been trailing by 12 points at halftime and by 15 at the start of the fourth quarter, but managed to come back in what was one of the greatest comebacks in a Finals game in the last 50 years.

Haliburton has solidified his reputation as “Mr. Clutch” in these playoffs, making 6 of 7 shots (85.7%) in game-tying or game-winning situations during the final 90 seconds of regulation or overtime.

OKC Lineup Changes: Help or Mistake?

Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault decided to alter his usual game plan by benching Isaiah Hartenstein, who had started every playoff game up to that point. Instead, he started young guard Cason Wallace, betting on speed to match the Pacers’ aggressive pace.

While the defense applied intense pressure early, forcing 20 turnovers in the first half, the decision came at a cost on the boards: Indiana dominated the rebound battle 56-39. Key players like Chet Holmgren and Hartenstein made little impact, which hurt the Thunder’s overall performance. Can the Thunder adjust to win game 2? We will see in the NBA second-half lines.

Indiana Adjusts Offense After Disastrous Start

In the first half, Indiana tied a negative record by committing 20 turnovers, something not seen since 2007. But after halftime, the team adjusted its tempo, reducing possessions from 54 to 47 and making more careful decisions. For example, Obi Toppin, who had three turnovers in the first quarter, didn’t commit another in his final 20 minutes on the floor.

The Pacers showed they can control what Haliburton called “controlled chaos” when they focus on executing clean, sharp plays against a high-pressure defense like OKC’s. The Pacers need to play like they did in the second half to have a chance and win the second game. Let’s check on NBA Finals Odds to see if they can.

Shooting: Indiana’s Most Powerful Weapon

Despite all the turnovers, Indiana’s offense was highly efficient in the possessions it managed to complete. They hit the key mark of 110 points, which is a good sign: the team is 13-0 in the playoffs when scoring that much or more. By contrast, they are 5-14 when falling short of that number.

The Pacers lead the playoffs in field goal percentage (49.6%), three-point shooting (40.5%), and actual shooting percentage (61.2%). These stats show that when they get a good look, they make it count. The NBA Odds are a chance to bet if the Pacers can keep up with their shooting percentages.

SGA Shines Individually, But Team Offense Lacks Flow

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showed his MVP-level talent by scoring 38 points on 30 shots, but he recorded only 3 assists, half of his regular-season average. The Oklahoma City Thunder had only 13 assists on 39 made baskets, far below their average of nearly 27 per game.

Additionally, OKC completed just 208 passes throughout the game, the lowest total recorded by any team in a single game this season, making their offense more predictable and easier for Indiana to contain. SGA has to be the leader to recover and win game two at home. Let’s see what the NBA 1st Half Lines can prove.

A Game 1 That Changes Everything

Indiana sent a strong message in Game 1: never count them out, even when they’re facing a large deficit. Their combination of efficient shooting, strategic adjustments, and clutch execution makes them a very dangerous opponent.

Meanwhile, the Thunder will need to rethink their offensive approach and their physical presence on the boards if they hope to even the series. This game is crucial for both the local team and the NBA second-half lines.