In the 2025 NBA Finals, the odds are heavily skewed, marking one of the most lopsided series since 1968. The Oklahoma City Thunder, the biggest finals favorite in franchise history, have attracted significant betting interest. A bettor in Las Vegas placed a $1.05 million wager on the Thunder at -700 odds to defeat the Indiana Pacers, potentially winning $150,000. This is the largest reported bet on the series so far in legal U.S. sportsbooks.
Oddsmakers favor the Thunder, as the high price limits liability. Major contenders like the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Cleveland Cavaliers have already been eliminated. Despite a 7-9 ATS record in the playoffs, the Thunder have excelled in crucial moments, winning a Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets and leading the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-1 in the Western Conference finals.
Contrary to the odds, public bettors at BetMGM are supporting the Pacers, with 94% of wagers and 85% of the total dollars bet on Indiana (+500) to win the series. Game 1 is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with the Thunder as 9.5-point favorites, the second-largest Game 1 finals spread since 2001.