Feb 25, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) passes the ball while Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
All eyes will be on the NBA Finals as the Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 (08:30 PM ET). The Thunder will come into this series after a ruthless 4-1 lead against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the WCF Finals.
On the other hand, the Pacers also fended off the Knicks comfortably in the ECF Finals with a 4-2. Can the underdog Pacers beat the dominant Thunder? Let us look at the best possible Same Game Parlay based on BetMGM picks.
NBA Same Game Parlay: SGP for Thunder vs Pacers Game 1
Total O 230.5 (-115 Straight Odds)
Both squads have averaged over 117 PPG during the postseason. They are comfortable with nonstop trade of buckets and can play at a high pace. Whether it is finishing in transition or running a high-quality half-court offense, both teams can get it done. Thus, it won’t be a surprise if the total goes over the 230 points to at least begin this series.
Assists: Tyrese Haliburton O 9.5 assists (+100 Straight Odds)
The Pacers’ PG has been on fire throughout the playoffs, both as a scorer and a playmaker. Haliburton tallied 10.5 assists per game in the previous series, delivering 10+ helpers in four of six cases. The bookmakers reckon that the Thunder’s pressure defense can limit his playmaking capabilities, but I still see him serving 10+ dimes.
NBA SGP: Total O 230.5 and Haliburton O 9.5 assists: +185 at BetMGM
Why This NBA Same Game Parlay- Conclusion
The Thunder and the Pacers have hit the 120+ points mark at a high level. They are more than likely to get in a shootout scenario throughout the game. The Thunder’s defense is terrific, but they have given up 115+ regularly, too.
Put two in two together, and you understand why I chose the “Over” here. I see Haliburton benefitting from this style and dishing out 10+ assists.
Photo Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski- Imagn Images