The NBA Finals Game 7 is always the most heart-stopping, and betting lines are no exception. If the Thunder wins at home, they will join the Boston Celtics of 2008 and the Miami Heat of 2013 in having won at least two Game 7s on their way to a championship.
On the other hand, if the Pacers win, they will become the lowest-seeded champion since the Houston Rockets, the sixth seed, won the NBA title in 1995. Indiana dominated the sixth game unexpectedly, leading by 30 points after the third quarter on their way to a 108-91 victory. Now back in OKC, the Thunder has been virtually unbeatable throughout the playoffs.
What to Expect from Game 7
“The seventh game is the best word in sports,” said Adam Landeka, ESPN BET’s vice president of strategy and growth for sports betting. “We expect a close game with betting lines moving based on various factors. Haliburton’s performance addressed some crucial questions about his health, and the Pacers along with their veteran leaders made it clear that this remains a competitive series.”
It has been nine years since NBA fans witnessed a Game 7 of the Finals, and only four since the year 2000. There’s a lot at stake for Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), the regular season’s MVP, especially with the Thunder entering the series as favorites. SGA will need an outstanding performance to give OKC a chance at winning the title and solidify his Finals MVP candidacy. Although he has surpassed this mark in only two of the six games so far, SGA has exceeded it in eight of his last eleven games playing at least 41 minutes.
“The line is the largest of any of the five Game 7s in NBA Finals history since 1991, and the fourth largest in any Game 7 during that time period,” according to ESPN Research.
Key Players and Their Impact
- Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA): As the regular season MVP, SGA’s performance will be crucial for the Thunder’s success in Game 7. His ability to maintain high production levels will determine OKC’s chances of winning the championship.
- Pacers Veteran Leaders: The experience and leadership of the Pacers’ veterans have kept the series competitive. Their performance in Game 7 will be essential for Indiana to secure the title.
Betting Lines and Trends
The unprecedented betting line for Game 7 has caught the attention of sports enthusiasts and analysts alike. Historically, the largest betting lines in NBA Finals Game 7s have been influenced by factors such as team performance, player health, and public sentiment. In this case, the combination of an underdog Pacers team and a heavily favored Thunder side has created an intriguing dynamic.
Moreover, the rarity of Game 7s in the NBA Finals adds to the excitement and unpredictability surrounding this matchup. With only 21 Game 7s played since 1950, each one carries significant weight in the league’s history.
