Historic NBA Finals Game 2 Spread: Unraveling the Legendary Thunder-Pacers Odds
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Ready to dive into the surprise of Game 2 of the NBA Finals? The Pacers, who stunned the Thunder in Game 1, find themselves hungry underdogs, facing a hefty 11.5-point deficit tonight.
In Game 1, not only did the Pacers pull off a major upset, but they did it with that classic Indiana flair we've seen throughout the 2022 playoffs.
Curious about the massive line and why the Pacers have been such long shots in this series? Let's explore some history.
The Elephant in the Court
Game 2 Spread
Since the NBA-ABA merger, there have been barely a dozen NBA Finals games with a double-digit spread.Two of those have seen underdog upsets, including the Pacers taking down the Thunder:
Biggest Upsets in NBA Finals Game Since NBA-ABA Merger
- '01 Game 1, Sixers +11.5 over Lakers
- '25 Game 1, Pacers +10 over Thunder
- '20 Game 3, Heat +9.5 over Lakers
- '23 Game 2, Heat +8 over Denver Nuggets
- '04 Game 1, Pistons +8 over Lakers
The previous nine double-digit underdogs in the NBA Finals managed a 6-3 ATS record, with those wins coming outright. Digging deeper, we see that 20 finals teams have been double-digit underdogs in the final round, and they struggled mightily, going 3-17 SU.
History Repeating Itself?
B2B Big Lines
In the last 20 NBA seasons, a handful of teams sported double-digit underdog lines in consecutive playoff games. Notably, the 2020 Pacers are among those, joining the ranks by winning Game 1 as underdogs. Those six teams, excluding the Pacers, didn't fare well, being 0-6 SU and 2-4 ATS in their next tilt. The Pacers now aim to defy the odds and pull off the feat tonight.
In recent history, 12 teams triumphed in Game 1 only to find themselves listed as double-digit underdogs in the very next game. These teams have won just once, the Knicks' victory over the Celtics in 2022's playoffs.
Underdogs United
Pacers Big Lines
The Pacers, being double-digit underdogs twice in this NBA Finals series since the merger, join the exclusive club of just three other teams: the 2018 Cavaliers, 2001 Sixers, and 1987 Celtics. All these instances took place in Games 1 and 2 on the road.
The lone winner from that group, the 2001 Sixers, claimed victory in Game 1, only to lose Game 2 by nine points. Can the Pacers break this trend and prove the doubters wrong?
The unpredictability of sports, especially in the playoffs, often leaves fans on the edge of their seats. The Pacers' underdog narrative is a captivating one, and their performance in Game 1 has left the basketball world waiting with bated breath. Tonight, they aim to create history amid adversity. Keep an eye on this unforgettable storyline as the NBA Finals unfold.
" tonight, the Pacers, who have achieved an underdog upset in Game 1 with their characteristic Indiana game play, will look to repeat history against the NBA's mighty teams, following in the footsteps of the 2001 Sixers who managed a similar feat in the NBA Finals, and exemplifying the unpredictable nature of sports, especially in basketball's premier league, the NBA."
" In the upcoming games of the NBA Finals, the Pacers, as double-digit underdogs, will attempt to defy the odds and break the trend set by past teams. Much like the 2001 Sixers, they aim to win again, despite facing a hefty deficit, showcasing their determination and passion for sports, especially basketball, proving that, under the right conditions, even long shots can shine in the NBA."
