NBA Player Prop Bets for Thursday, June 5th: Predictions and Odds Analysis
Twitter, Facebook, and Email ## Fun NBA Prop Bets for Thursday's Showdown: The Thunder vs. the Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals
Game One of the 2025 NBA Finals is here, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are the clear favorites, sitting at 9.5 points over the Indiana Pacers. History tells us that underdogs in the beginning of the Finals struggle to win straight up and against the spread, especially if they're catching more than five points. But that doesn't mean there isn't a world of exciting prop bets to explore!
Instead of high-risk full-game props due to the potential blowout, let's set our sights on players who'll see consistent minutes regardless of the score—the second-unit players. When you consider that this game could be a high-scoring, fast-paced affair with seconds left on the clock, bench players for both teams are poised to shine.
Exciting Second-Unit Player Props
Cason Wallace: Over 12.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-108, FanDuel)
If there's one player on the Thunder who fits the description of a solid bench player with reliable minutes, a versatile role, and undervalued lines, it's Cason Wallace. In his last nine games, he's cleared the prop's 12.5 PRA mark in six games and played at least 24 minutes in four out of the last five Conference Finals matchups against the Timberwolves. With the second-highest Net Rating and the best individual Defensive Rating among all players in the playoffs, Wallace has been essential to the Thunder's stellar two-way play.
What sets Wallace apart is his knack for staying on the court in any game script. He's among the flashiest players on the team, which will be crucial against Indiana's up-tempo offense. The Pacers have allowed the third-most bench points per game this postseason, giving Wallace a prime opportunity to rise to the occasion and eclipse this modest PRA line.
Alex Caruso: Over 14.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-108, FanDuel)
Built for the big moments, Alex Caruso is ready to show his veteran stripes off the bench in the 2025 NBA Finals. With potential for a lopsided game, Caruso's consistent defensive play and offensive contributions make him an intriguing pick in the prop market. His PRA line sits at just 14.5, even though he's averaged an impressive 3.3 deflections and 1.8 steals in 22.5 minutes per game this postseason.
Caruso has the defensive nous to stick with anyone, from Nikola Jokic to Karl-Anthony Towns. Expect him to log a substantial number of minutes to keep up with Indiana's versatile frontcourt. On the offensive end, Caruso's deadly outside shooting and energetic off-ball play will be invaluable to the Thunder. If you believe in Caruso's well-rounded skill set, don't hesitate to throw a few bucks on this prop.
Obi Toppin: Over 10.5 Points + Rebounds (-130, DraftKings)
Looking for a player who brings energy, athleticism, and consistent production off the bench? Enter Obi Toppin. The Thunder have been generous to their opponent's bench players this postseason, allowing the third-most shot attempts and sixth-most points per game. That makes Toppin a smart bet to clear the combined 10.5 points and rebounds mark in Game One.
Toppin has carved out a steady role in the Pacers' playoff run, averaging 9.0 points and 4.7 rebounds in 19.0 minutes per game against the Knicks. He's also consistent on the box score, having reached the combined 10.5 threshold in four of six games. Pair that with his impressive regular-season game against the Thunder (12 points and three rebounds in 22 minutes) and a strong finish to the Conference Finals (11 points and four rebounds in Game Five, 18 and six in Game Six), and Toppin seems poised to deliver again.
Bennedict Mathurin: Over 7.5 Points (-106, FanDuel)
In a series with potential for an Indiana deficit, Bennedict Mathurin's explosive scoring ability off the bench becomes even more crucial. Proven to exceed this modest 7.5-point line in nine out of 15 playoff games, look to Mathurin to pile up points quickly against the Thunder. With a penchant for scoring in a hurry and proven efficiency in limited minutes (5-12, 23 points, 25 minutes in Game Four vs. Knicks, 23 points, 25 minutes in Game Five), Mathurin is likely to see substantial playing time as the Pacers search for offense beyond Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
Ben Sheppard: Over 0.5 Made Threes (-118, BetMGM)
If Oklahoma City's elite defense possesses any flaw, it's in their corner three defense, allowing 12.4 attempts per game—the second-most in the playoffs. The Pacers, in contrast, have been lethal from those spots, shooting a playoff-best 46.9% on corner threes. This mismatch presents an opportunity for Ben Sheppard, who has averaged 1.2 corner three attempts per game in the playoffs.
Sheppard scored 3-6 on corner threes in two regular-season games against the Thunder and could have another opportunity to shine with extensive second-half playing time. Give it a shot and bet on Sheppard to knock down at least one three-pointer in what could be a wild, up-tempo game!
Enjoy the show and stay tuned for thoughts on Game Two!
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Sports trends indicate that over/under for the points difference in Game One of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers may prove exciting, considering the Thunder's 9.5-point lead.
In the context of the given text discussing prop bets for second-unit players, one could consider betting on Cason Wallace's Points, Rebounds, and Assists (PRA) total being over 12.5 (-108, FanDuel) in Game One as an exciting proposition due to his consistent minutes and offensive prowess. Alternatively, Alex Caruso's PRA total being over 14.5 (-108, FanDuel) could also be an intriguing choice, given his defensive skills and potential for offensive contributions in high-scoring, up-tempo games like the 2025 NBA Finals.
