Last updated Jun 10, 9:46pm ET

  • The Indiana Pacers look to bounce back following a double-digit loss in Game 2.
  • Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder need a road win to reclaim home-court advantage.
  • These squads last played on Jun. 8, with the Thunder claiming a 123-107 victory.

Wednesday’s NBA slate features the Indiana Pacers hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Who takes a 2-1 lead in our Pacers vs Thunder Game 3 pick?

NBA Finals Game 3 Preview

The Pacers overcame another double-digit deficit en route to stealing Game 1. However, the league’s top team bounced back with a 16-point victory in Game 2, tying this NBA Finals series at 1-1.

Indiana got solid contributions from multiple players as seven players recorded double-digit scoring totals. Tyrese Haliburton led the way with 17 points and six assists.

Myles Turner added 16 on 6-for-12 shooting. Pascal Siakam chipped in with 15 points, seven boards, and four dimes.

Meanwhile, OKC’s offense wasn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination, either, with five players reaching double figures. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a team-high 34 points, along with eight assists, five rebounds, and four steals.

Jalen Williams chimed in with 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins led the second unit with 20 and 19 points, respectively.

Similar to the opener, the Thunder jumped out to a double-digit lead. While Indiana made things interesting at times, OKC was determined not to let another winnable game slip throught their grasps.

Pacers vs Thunder Game 3 Pick

Despite getting a split in the first two road games, Indiana enters this matchup as a 5.5-point underdog, according to BetOnline. Here are a few trends to consider for both teams ahead of Game 3.

  • The Pacers are 14-5 straight-up (SU) in their last 19 games.
  • Indiana is 8-3 against the spread in its previous 11 games when playing as the underdog.
  • The Thunder are 19-1 overall in their last 20 outings against Eastern Conference opponents.
  • OKC is 8-1 ATS in its previous nine matchups against teams in the Central Division.

With the series tied at one game apiece, the series can be considered a toss-up at the moment. However, Indiana has dropped a pair of Game 3s against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the New York Knicks.

That said, it would not be shocking to see OKC come out on top in what will be a highly-competitive battle.

Pick
Oklahoma City Thunder
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James Tillman
James Tillman

Betting Preview Analyst/Contributor

James blends 16 years of freelance writing with his ing acumen, specializing in sports betting. He expertly crafts picks for ATS, over/under, and player props, providing valuable insights for bettors at all levels.

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