NBA Finals Game 2: Thunder Look to Bounce Back Against Pacers — Key Lineup Changes and Betting Insights

Thunder on the Hot Seat After Game 1 Slip

If you thought the Thunder would steamroll the Pacers in this NBA Finals, Game 1 was a reality check. Oklahoma City, who led most of the way, faltered late and handed Indiana a shocking win on the road. The crowd fell silent during the final minutes as the Pacers, who had to claw past heavyweights like the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks just to get here, continued to prove they’re no fluke. Now, with the series opener out of their hands, OKC’s coaching staff is scrambling to make adjustments — and all eyes are on Game 2’s lineup decisions.

Oklahoma opted for a smaller starting five in Game 1, hoping to chase Indiana’s perimeter-oriented big men, Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam. Both are comfortable lingering around the arc rather than dominating inside, so OKC traded size for speed. The plan seemed smart at first, but there was a cost. Chet Holmgren, the Thunder’s towering rookie center, logged just 24 minutes and found himself squeezed out of the offense. He scored well under expectations, barely getting any clean looks as OKC spaced the floor but missed his shot-blocking and length inside. That opens up a strong betting angle — with the Chet Holmgren under 14.5 total points line looking more tempting if the Thunder stick to this scheme in Game 2.

Fans are left wondering if coach Mark Daigneault will stick to his guns or revert to the usual starting five to get Holmgren rolling again. Either way, adjustments are coming. The Thunder have no choice but to keep up the pace, since Indiana’s transition offense thrives on quick outlets and sharpshooting off the break. OKC thrives when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets isolation touches, drawing double teams and carving up defenses. But Game 1 showed that’s not enough — SGA needs more help, both scoring and on the boards.

Indiana’s Blueprint and Betting Angles for Game 2

The Pacers came into these Finals as true underdogs, but their self-belief is hard to shake. Balanced scoring has been their secret weapon, and coach Rick Carlisle’s system is built on moving the ball until the defense cracks. Tyrese Haliburton’s steady hand at point guard steadies the ship, while role players like Aaron Nesmith continue to hit big shots when it matters. Even with Turner and Siakam roaming beyond the arc, Indiana isn’t afraid to attack inside, pulling OKC’s shot-blockers out of their comfort zone.

Betting markets are heavily favoring Oklahoma City to bounce back, with oddsmakers expecting them to even the series at home. But Indiana’s resilience — surviving hostile crowds and late-game drama in earlier rounds — gives them a puncher’s chance. Those looking at player props might eye Holmgren’s under, but they should also keep tabs on Gilgeous-Alexander’s points total, as the Thunder will need him to go supernova in Game 2. Likewise, Pacers supporters could look for continued value in secondary scorers, given Carlisle’s stable rotations and willingness to ride the hot hand.

Game 2 tips off at 1:00 AM local time, and the pressure now sits squarely on Oklahoma City’s young core. Whether they’ll lean on their stars or try to outmaneuver Indiana’s depth could wind up deciding if the series stays close — or starts to slip away from basketball’s latest emerging powerhouse.