Germantas Kneita
The Indiana Pacers have continued their magical run in these playoffs by pulling off an upset in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. We were able to continue our amazing run too, hitting our 3rd straight first basket best bet, courtesy of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at +700 odds. We will try to keep that going tonight for Game 2, with improved +750 odds.
You can also read our preview for Game 2. But for now let’s take a look at my first basket best bet.
Pacers vs Thunder first basket best bet: Pascal Siakam (+750)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing.
While Chet Holmgren was able to win the opening tip in Game 1 of the series, it is far from a foregone conclusion that he will be able to recreate it once more in Game 2. Pacers center Myles Turner was able to win the opening tip in 1 of the 2 games in the regular season and should have a chance to even the season series tonight. The Thunder have not been a dominant force gaining the opening possession this season, doing so in under 50% of games. The Pacers will have their chance in Game 2. Even if they fail to do so, in Game 1 they had their best defensive quarter in the fourth — so will be coming into this with positive momentum in that category.
While Turner scored the first points for the Pacers from the free-throw line, it was Pascal Siakam who made the first couple of field-goal attempts. With the Thunder having moved Isaiah Hartenstein to the bench and going smaller with Cason Wallace, Siakam is left with a size advantage over anyone else in their lineup — with Holmgren being tasked to battle Turner. Siakam led his team in scoring in Game 1 and will look to get off to a strong start tonight, too. With the forward’s size advantage, expect him to work the ball down low — which could also give him a great chance to get to the free-throw line.
