The Oklahoma City Thunder successfully kept their season alive on Friday, mounting a comeback from a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. With the series now deadlocked at 2-2, action shifts back to Oklahoma City for Game 5 on Monday. League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was instrumental in the Game 4 rally, contributing 15 of his 35 points in the final five minutes, ultimately tying the series ahead of the pivotal Game 5 showdown.
Monday night`s Game 5 is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Thunder are currently favored by 9.5 points according to the latest odds for the Thunder vs. Pacers matchup, with the over/under set at 223.5 points. Before placing any wagers on the Oklahoma City vs. Indiana game, consider reviewing the expert`s Game 5 NBA score prediction and betting picks.
Eric Cohen, a recognized expert at SportsLine and contributor to *Early Edge*, has demonstrated a solid track record, including recent successes in golf betting and high rankings among college football analysts. Known for his broad expertise, Cohen has expressed confidence in the Thunder`s chances, holding a futures bet that predicts they will win the series in six games.
Expert Betting Predictions for Game 5
Here are Eric Cohen`s top betting predictions for Game 5 between the Thunder and the Pacers (as of 6/15; odds may vary):
- Thunder -9.5
- Under 223.5 Total Points
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30+ Points (-275)
- Chet Holmgren Over 20 Points + Rebounds (-330)
- Jalen Williams Over 25 Points + Rebounds (-245)
- T.J. McConnell Over 10 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-310)
- Thunder vs. Pacers score prediction: Thunder 113, Pacers 99
Cohen`s Analysis
Cohen`s detailed analysis: While some might look skeptically at the odds for these individual picks, combining all six into a Same Game Parlay yields a very attractive +1300 return. Regardless, my strong belief is that the Thunder will build on the momentum from their impressive fourth-quarter performance on Friday and dominate the Pacers at home in Game 5. I expect a significantly improved defensive effort from Oklahoma City, and I would be genuinely surprised if that isn`t evident on Monday night.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently played at an MVP level throughout the series, putting up 38, 34, and 35 points in Games 1, 2, and 4 respectively. Another game scoring 30 or more points seems highly probable if the Thunder are clicking as anticipated. After a slow start in Game 1, Chet Holmgren has steadily increased his combined points and rebounds total, registering 21, 30, and 29 in the subsequent games. Betting on him to achieve another double-double at +140 odds is also a viable option. Jalen Williams has also shown progression as the series has unfolded, increasing his point production from 17 in Game 1 to 19, 26, and 27 in Game 4, alongside a steady rise in his rebounding numbers. On the Pacers` side, T.J. McConnell has been a crucial spark off the bench, scoring at least eight points in every contest and consistently exceeding his combined 10 points, rebounds, and assists total.
My forecast is a decisive victory for Oklahoma City on Monday night, positioning them to potentially seal the series win when it returns to Indiana on Thursday.
Jasper Hawthorne