2024/25 NBA Finals - Thunder at Pacers (Game 4)
Game 4 of the NBA Finals is this Saturday and the Pacers are looking to go up 3-1 against the #1 seeded Thunder. Can they do it? Here is a preview of the Game 4 action on Saturday morning.
Thunder at Pacers (IND leads series 2-1)
The Thunder are gearing up for a crucial Game 4 matchup against the Pacers after falling short in Game 3 with a 116-107 loss on the road. Despite holding the league’s best regular season record at 68-14 and sitting atop the Western Conference standings, the Thunder are now trailing in the NBA Finals series and need a strong response to even things up.
Game 3 saw standout performances from key Thunder players, even in defeat. Jalen Williams led the team with 26 points, along with 6 rebounds and 3 assists, shooting an efficient 50% from the field. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has been the heart of Oklahoma City's offence throughout the postseason, added 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists on 45% shooting. SGA has been dominant this Finals series, averaging over 30 points per game, and the Thunder will be relying heavily on him again in Game 4 to turn the tide.
However, recent trends don’t paint the rosiest picture for OKC on the road. The Thunder are just 2-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last six games overall and have a poor record when playing in Indiana, going 2-6 straight up (SU) in their last eight road games against the Pacers. Even more concerning, they are 0-8 ATS in their last eight games on the road overall.
That said, Oklahoma City has shown a strong ability to bounce back. Since early April, the Thunder are a perfect 6-0 after losses, and they’ve maintained that trend through the playoffs, going 5-0 in similar situations. They’ve also won eight straight road games following a loss, which gives hope that this resilient squad can respond under pressure and level the series.
Indiana are playing with confidence at home, Game 4 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the series. The big question is whether OKC’s bounce-back trend can overpower their shaky road form, or if the Pacers will continue to hold court in Indianapolis.
The Pacers are riding high heading into Game 4 of the NBA Finals after a solid 116-107 win over the Thunder in Game 3 at home. With the win, the Pacers now hold a 2-1 series lead and are proving they’re more than just underdogs. Bennedict Mathurin had a breakout game, dropping 27 points on a red-hot 75% shooting, while Tyrese Haliburton nearly posted a triple-double with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds on 52.9% shooting. Haliburton has been the heart of this Indiana run, hitting clutch shots (including the game-winner in Game 1) and dishing out 11+ assists in each of his last eight home games against Western Conference teams.
The Pacers, who finished fourth in the East with a 50-32 record, are playing some of their best basketball at just the right time. They’ve been hot against the spread (ATS), covering in 8 of their last 11 games, and are especially tough at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, going 4-1 ATS in their last five at home. Straight up (SU), they’re 15-5 in their last 20 games and have historically handled OKC well in Indiana, winning 6 of the last 8 meetings there.
With momentum on their side and the home crowd behind them, the Pacers are looking to take a commanding 3-1 lead — and the numbers suggest they’ve got every chance to do it.
Stadium Record
Indiana are 17-3 in their last 20 at home and 7-2 in this year's playoffs. OKC are 2-3 since 2022.
Head to Head Record
In the last 10 meetings, the head to head is tied 5-5, but the Pacers hold a 2-1 series advantage in the NBA finals.
Best Bet
The Pacers are once again underdogs on their home court after they covered in Game 3. I think they will do it again. They're now 8-3 ATS in their last 11, 4-1 ATS at home and have won 6 of their last 8 at home against the Thunder. Haliburton is back in form after struggling a bit in the early games of the NBA finals. Siakam is hitting key baskets and the Pacers bench has been impressive.
Same Game Multi
Haliburton comes off 11 assists in Game 3 and has now beaten 11 or more assists in his last 2 home games. 8+ assists seems like a lock. The Under has saluted in the last 7 NBA Finals Game 4 matchups so I love the trend. Game 3 went Under and the Under is 2-1 in this series.
Pacers +5.5 / Under 225.5 pts / Haliburton 8+ assists = $5.60
