Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

OKC Thunder Step Into NBA Finals With Rare Betting Odds, A Mark Only Six Teams Have Hit Since 1985

OKC Thunder head into the NBA Finals with historic odds

Image Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

The OKC Thunder are entering the NBA Finals as favorites to win it all. Though Indiana Pacers have also dominated their playoffs run so far but the Thunder who have remained consistent throughout the season are being seen as the probable winners.

The Thunder are starting the Finals series with -750 odds, while the Pacers are +525. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder now hold the 6th shortest NBA Finals odds in the last 40 years, an elite indicator of title probability. This tells us a story as to how strongly the bookies are favoring the Thunder.

"I don't have 124 points by myself. I love these guys to death."

SGA after winning WCF MVP 🙌 pic.twitter.com/IzCfmX5snG
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 29, 2025

OKC has barely faltered all year, unlike the Pacers, who hit rough patches mid-season. Even during all the rounds of the playoffs, the Oklahoma side thoroughly dominated their opponents. In the first round, they went through a clean sweep 4-0 win against the Memphis Grizzlies.

They edged out the Nuggets 4-3 in a tight semifinal series. And in the previous Western Conference Finals’ matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Thunder again put up a strong fight to win the series by 4-1.

Thunder carry -750 odds into Finals, only six teams ever favored more

OKC Thunder are outright favorites for the NBA Title at -750. Teams in the past 40 years that have had -750 or lower figures have gone on to win the title. There are six teams above the current Thunder side that have shorter odds than them, and all of them emerged victorious.

Team	Year	Odds	Result
Los Angeles Lakers	2001	-2000	Won Series
Golden State Warriors	2018	-1075	Won Series
Chicago Bulls	1996	-950	Won Series
San Antonio Spurs	1999	-900	Won Series
Los Angeles Lakers	2000	-800	Won Series
Los Angeles Lakers	2002	-750	Won Series

While the odds are stacked against Indiana, they’ve thrived as underdogs all postseason. They were not seen as a side to win the Eastern Conference Finals, but they won. The Pacers have been a different side this season through their clutch plays. The matchup between Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be the one to watch out as well.