The NBA Finals MVP race intensifies as the Indiana Pacers battle the Oklahoma City Thunder. First, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominates the spotlight. He earned regular season MVP honors and now leads the Thunder with 32.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game in the Finals.
Moreover, the NBA odds heavily favor him, placing him around -550 to -625 across major online sportsbooks. His scoring surge and sustained play make him the clear frontrunner.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton shines for the Pacers. He nailed the Game 1 buzzer-beater and almost posted a triple-double in Game 3 with 22 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. Haliburton is averaging 17.7 points, 7.7 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game in the Finals so far.
Accordingly, bettors now list him as the second-most likely Finals MVP, with odds between his clutch shot-making and Indiana’s momentum keeping him in contention.
Are There Other Players In The Running For Finals MVP?
Additionally, other Indiana Pacers players enter the conversation. Pascal Siakam posted 24.8 points in the Eastern Conference Finals, earning MVP votes. Moreover, role players like Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard, and Bennedict Mathurin contributed key plays during Game 3.
On the Thunder side, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Alex Caruso, and Isaiah Hartenstein impacted the Finals race too. For instance, Williams scored 34 in the Western Conference Finals, while Holmgren posted a 20-10 in Game 3.
Furthermore, oddsmakers view SGA as the overwhelming favorite. Yet, Haliburton’s clutch moments narrow the gap. At BetOnline Sportsbooks, a props bet on the finals MVP winner draws heavy traffic. Thus, both star guards spearhead the race:
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NBA 2025 Finals MVP |
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
1/2 |
(-200) |
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Tyrese Haliburton |
9/4 |
(+225) |
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Pascal Siakam |
8/1 |
|
|
Andrew Nembhard |
66/1 |
|
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Jalen Williams |
66/1 |
|
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Chet Holmgren |
80/1 |
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Myles Turner |
100/1 |
|
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Aaron Nesmith |
250/1 |
|
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Alex Caruso |
300/1 |
|
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Luguentz Dort |
400/1 |
|
All Odds via BetOnline!
OKC vs Indiana Continues to Showcase Prime Basketball Action Alongside NBA Finals MVP Race
Not surprisingly, the race hinges on team outcomes. If Oklahoma City wins, SGA will likely secure his Finals MVP title. On the other hand, if Indiana upsets the Thunder, Haliburton could shock fans and bettors alike.
Most NBA picks favor SGA as the odds on favorite for Finals MVP, since he is essentially the engine of OKC’s offense. However, Tyrese Haliburton’s heroics throughout the playoffs, and his impact to elevate his teammates can sway odds, especially if they come out on top against the Thunder.
The two teams’ play styles – a superstar-led Thunder, and the other a more team-based machine in the Pacers, make for an exciting NBA Finals. Ultimately, clutch performance and team success will decide the prestigious Finals MVP award.