Pacers vs Thunder NBA Finals Game 1 Picks and Predictions

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NBA Finals Game 1: Why I’m Taking Pacers +4.5 in the 1st Quarter

The books are giving Indiana a fat +4.5 cushion in the opening quarter tonight and I’m all over it.

OKC’s the talk of the Finals with Shai leading the way, but Indiana’s been one of the best first-quarter teams all postseason. They’ve covered four straight opening frames against the Thunder and have a knack for coming out fast, pushing tempo, and setting the tone early especially behind Haliburton and Siakam.

Sure, OKC has length and defense, and Lu Dort will try to make life tough on Tyrese again, but Indiana’s offense doesn’t run through just one guy. They spread the floor, they move without the ball, and they hit you from all angles right out the gate.

Mark Daigneault said it himself you can prep all you want, but once the game starts, it’s different. And for a Thunder team loaded with Finals first-timers, expect a little tightness early. Indiana’s been tested. Carlisle’s been here. I trust them to come out aggressive and keep it close, if not take the lead outright in that first 12 minutes.

The Play: Pacers 1Q +4.5 (-150) 
It’s a smart buffer in what should be a back-and-forth series. Expect the Thunder to settle in eventually, but not before Indiana makes a strong early statement.