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NBA Finals odds: Thunder heavily favored to win against either the Pacers or Knicks

Posted on by Starteelic
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29
May
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2025 NBA Finals Preview: Thunder Poised for Glory as Overwhelming Title Favorites

As the 2025 NBA Finals approach, the Oklahoma City Thunder stand alone at the summit of the basketball world—armed with a historically dominant season, an MVP in his prime, and the kind of momentum that has bookmakers making them massive favorites against whichever Eastern Conference team survives.

Following a resounding 124-94 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder officially punched their ticket to the Finals—and sent a message in the process. This team isn’t just winning; it’s steamrolling the competition. Sportsbooks quickly reacted, with BetMGM listing Oklahoma City as a staggering -625 favorite to win the NBA championship. That means a simple $10 wager on the Thunder to capture the title would return just $1.60 in profit—a testament to how lopsided this Finals matchup is expected to be.

A Historic Season for the Ages
Led by superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder posted a jaw-dropping 68-14 regular-season record, earning the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the second consecutive year. But it wasn’t just the wins that stood out—it was the sheer dominance. Oklahoma City finished with a +12.9 average point differential, the best in NBA history, edging out the previous record set by the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers (+12.3).

No other team in the West came close. The Thunder ended the regular season a full 16 games ahead of their closest conference rival, showcasing a level of consistency and two-way brilliance rarely seen in today’s NBA. Gilgeous-Alexander, who claimed his first league MVP award this season, was spectacular throughout—averaging 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. He once again delivered in the Western Conference Finals, dropping 34 points in the series-clinching Game 5 win over Minnesota.

Total Domination of the East
Perhaps the most impressive—and overlooked—stat of the Thunder’s season was their performance against the Eastern Conference. Oklahoma City went 29-1 against East opponents, an absurd figure that heavily factors into their current status as Finals favorites. Their only loss to an Eastern team came on January 8 against the Cavaliers, a narrow road defeat. Just eight days later, they crushed Cleveland by 20 points at home.

The Thunder also swept their season series against both potential Finals opponents:

vs. Indiana Pacers:

Dec. 26 (Away) – Win, 120-114

Mar. 29 (Home) – Win, 132-111

vs. New York Knicks:

Jan. 3 (Home) – Win, 117-107

Jan. 10 (Away) – Win, 126-101

Each game served as a reminder that OKC’s high-octane offense and stifling defense are simply too much for most teams, especially those in the East.

Who Will Challenge the Thunder?
At the moment, the Indiana Pacers are the most likely Finals opponent, holding a 3-1 lead over the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals heading into Game 5 at Madison Square Garden. The Pacers, led by rising star Tyrese Haliburton and bolstered by their fast-paced offense, have been one of the surprises of this postseason. They’re currently listed at +550 to win the title, while the injury-ravaged Knicks are distant longshots at +3000.

No matter who advances, the task will be daunting. The Thunder have proven capable of beating either team on both ends of the floor. With their elite ball movement, depth, and the leadership of Gilgeous-Alexander, they seem destined to deliver Oklahoma City its first NBA championship since the franchise relocated from Seattle.

A Potential Dynasty in the Making?
This Thunder team isn’t just built to win now—it’s structured for long-term success. With a core of talented young players, savvy coaching from Mark Daigneault, and a front office flush with future draft picks, Oklahoma City’s 2025 Finals run might be just the beginning.

As the basketball world turns its eyes to the NBA’s grandest stage, one thing is clear: The 2025 NBA Finals are Oklahoma City’s to lose. Whether it’s Indiana or New York standing in their way, the Thunder appear ready to fulfill their destiny.

Starteelic

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