Why the Oklahoma City Thunder Are the Team to Beat in the NBA Finals

The Oklahoma City Thunder has emerged as a formidable contender in the NBA Finals, showcasing remarkable betting odds not seen in the past two decades. Facing off against the Indiana Pacers, the Thunder kicked off as heavy favorites at -750 on ESPN BET, while the Pacers trailed behind as +525 underdogs. Notably, only the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors have boasted superior odds compared to this year's Thunder.Game 1, where Oklahoma is favored by nine points, is scheduled for Thursday on their home turf. The Thunder clinched their finals spot after dispatching the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, marking their first Finals appearance since 2013. The Pacers, once considered 50-1 long shots, executed an incredible playoff run, defeating the New York Knicks. Nonetheless, history indicates that overcoming such odds remains a formidable challenge, with only two underdogs triumphing in the past 50 years.