The Oklahoma City Thunder are such heavy favourites to win the NBA title that many bettors are looking for other wagers instead.
Professional bettors, in particular, have searched out player propositions and hit the under on the totals rather than take the Thunder at -700 at BetMGM Sportsbook or -650 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Indiana is listed at +500 at BetMGM and +475 at DraftKings for the NBA Finals.
“It’s just not enticing to bet a money line or spread,” BetMGM trading manager Christian Cipollini said. “That number kind of scares you off even if you do like the Pacers. You’re like, ‘They’re +500 for a reason’.”
The Thunder have won seven games this postseason by double digits, four by at least 30 points.
Oklahoma City are the biggest favourites since Golden State in 2018, according to sportsoddshistory.com. That Warriors team, led by Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, were listed at -1075 and swept past Cleveland and LeBron James.
Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers is among the contenders for the MVP award. Photo: TNS
The Thunder franchise won their only previous title in 1979, when they were in Seattle and known as the SuperSonics. The team relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008.