The NBA Finals have turned into a best-of-five scenario. On 06/11, the Indiana Pacers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the championship round. The Thunder unlocked one of their special games to stamp a 123-107 win in Game 2 as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enjoyed a 34-point outing.
Can the Thunder capitalize on the momentum and take a 2-1 lead in Game 3? Check the spread, total, and player props predictions here.
The Thunder showed their acumen again, but Indiana must be content
Like the West Semi-Finals, the Thunder responded to blowing a double-digit lead late during Game 1 in a boisterous manner. They jumped to an 18-point first-half lead in Game 2, but you know that no lead is safe against this Pacers team. But OKC ensured they didn’t have another goof-up.
Indiana scored 33 points in each of the last two quarters, but the Thunder had an antidote to their decisive runs. They brilliantly dodged the fate they suffered in the Finals opener.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another 34-point masterclass and became the first NBA player in history to score a combined 72 points in the first two NBA Finals games. On the other hand, Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins combined for 38 points (Caruso-20) off the bench.
They combined for 9 three-pointers, compared to just 5 by other players. The Thunder also extracted a 42-34 advantage in the paint and made 10 more free throws than Indiana.
The Pacers’ offense wasn’t terrible, but Pascal Siakam, who had a team-high 19 points, scored 15 points on a poor 3/11 shooting. The scoring balance was perfect again as seven players scored in the 11-17 range. However, the Pacers’ defense lacked bite.
They do have performances like this time and time again, but also know how to bounce back. Thus, the stage is set for a mouth-watering Game 3.
Pacers Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Tyrese Haliburton | SG: Andrew Nembhard | SF: Aaron Nesmith | PF: Pascal Siakam | C: Myles Turner
Key bench players: SG: Benedict Mathurin, PG: TJ McConnell, C: Thomas Bryant.
Injuries/Updates: Nothing to report as such.
Thunder Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Shai-Gilgeous Alexander | SG: Luguentz Dort | SF: Jalen Williams | SF: Chet Holmgren | C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Key bench players: SG: Cason Wallace, SG: Alex Caruso, SG: Aaron Wiggins.
Injuries/Updates: Nothing significant to report
Game 2 produced 230 points, which was just around the projected range by the bookmakers. The first game accounted for 221, around 9-10 points below the projected range. Thus, we have had both an “Over” and an “Under” scenario thus far.
There is a high chance that the series remains above the 220 mark. Thus, the bookmakers have unsurprisingly marked the 228-229 terrain like the last game. I reckon the total will go “Over” again, like I have picked during the first two games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander O 33.5 points: The Thunder guard is unstoppable right now, dominating both from mid-range and the paint. He has cleared the “Over” of 33.5 in the first two games, and I believe he will do it again.
Tyrese Haliburton O 17.5 points: The Pacers guard scored 17 points in Game 2 following a 14-point effort in Game 1. During the ECF series, he scored 20 or more in each of the three games at home. I believe he will touch similar marks again.
TJ McConnell O 3.5 assists: TJ has been a great energy booster and playmaker off the bench for Indiana. He has dished out 4 or more assists in three of the four games. I expect him to deliver 4-6 assists here.
Main pick: Assists: Tyrese Haliburton O 17.5 points for -106 at FanDuel
The Pacers aren’t a typical dominant team that usually wins titles. They are slow-burners who are always on the hunt despite trailing by a lot. On the other hand, the OKC Thunder does have championship material imprint, but they have the tendency to cough up now and then.
However, I see OKC showing their full strength during Game 3 and sealing the deal by at least 6 points.
Betting Lines:
Safe Spread/Money Line Pick: Spread: Thunder -5.5 for +100 at FanDuel
Photo Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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