Pacers vs. Thunder Prediction: Game 2 NBA Finals Preview

After a stunning upset in Game 1, the Oklahoma City Thunder will try to respond in Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday at the Paycom Center on ABC.

The Pacers didn’t lead until Tyrese Haliburton’s go-ahead shot with 0.3 seconds remaining in their 111-110 win over the Thunder on Wednesday. Indiana trailed by 15 points in the fourth quarter, completing another improbable comeback this postseason.

Oklahoma City is a double-digit favorite to even the series back up.

Here’s a look at the latest NBA odds for Pacers vs. Thunder and my prediction ahead of Sunday’s Game 2 of the NBA Finals:

Pacers vs. Thunder Odds: Game 2

• Pacers spread: +10.5
• Thunder spread: -10.5
• Total: 228.5

Pacers vs. Thunder Game 2 Prediction for NBA Finals

Based on the updated NBA betting lines, I‘m taking the under on Indiana’s team total (51.5) in the first half as my Game 2 prediction for the Pacers vs. Thunder matchup in the NBA Finals.

The market expects Oklahoma City to respond, which is why the home team is a double-digit favorite after failing to cover a shorter spread in Game 1. The Thunder won’t win unless they are locked in defensively.

For one half, the Thunder played well enough on that end of the floor. They held the Pacers to 45 points in the first half of Game 1, forcing 19 turnovers.

I anticipate another strong defensive performance from Oklahoma City in the first half, setting the tone in a crucial Game 2.

The Thunder have posted a first-half defensive rating of 100.5 this postseason, leading all teams by a comfortable margin. They have held their opponent below this first-half total in back-to-back games.

I’m counting on another strong start for the Thunder in Game 2.

Game 2 prediction: Pacers under 51.5 points 1H (-105)