Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers break down NBA Finals Game 1 between the Thunder and Pacers. The guys also give out best bets.
On RJ Bell's Dream Preview NBA podcast, Munaf Manji and Mackenzie Rivers preview the 2024-2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. Munaf opens by announcing the matchup and noting the Finals odds, with OKC favored at -700. He then covers breaking news that Tom Thibodeau has been fired by the Knicks despite leading them to back-to-back 50-win seasons and a conference finals appearance. Mackenzie says while surprising, it's easier to replace coaches than players in today’s NBA, referencing possible Knicks replacements like Mike Malone and Jay Wright. Both agree that without a consistent second scorer next to Jalen Brunson, the Knicks remain flawed.
The conversation shifts to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rumored interest in joining the Toronto Raptors. Mackenzie notes the Raptors’ assets like Scottie Barnes and the ninth draft pick, making a trade feasible. They discuss how the Eastern Conference has opened up due to injuries to stars like Jayson Tatum and uncertainty around Giannis’ future. Munaf suggests Giannis may seek an easier path to championships by moving to the East.
Turning to the Finals, both highlight Indiana’s surprising run, defeating an injury-riddled Bucks, the top-seeded Cavaliers, and the Knicks. Yet, Mackenzie emphasizes OKC's statistical superiority, noting their league-best +12.6 net rating compared to Indiana’s +2.1. The 10.5-point gap is the second largest in seven years of playoff matchups. Historically, teams with such a margin almost always win quickly, often in five games or less.
Munaf praises OKC's playoff-best defensive rating of 104.7, their dominance in steals, and their elite fast break defense. Both teams rank top-three in pace, but OKC's versatility gives them an edge. Mackenzie likens Indiana to a "AAA version" of OKC and predicts either a sweep or five-game series. They acknowledge Indiana’s edge in 3-point shooting at 40.1%, while OKC ranks 13th out of 16 playoff teams. However, OKC’s depth, led by SGA, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, Hartenstein, and Caruso, is seen as decisive.
Munaf and Mackenzie analyze Game 1, with OKC favored by nine points. Mackenzie favors betting OKC in the first half due to their rest advantage (9 days vs Indiana’s 4 days). Historical data shows well-rested teams go 22-7 straight up and 20-9 ATS in such scenarios. He notes SGA’s dominance against Indiana, averaging 36 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists across three recent games, including a 45-point game. Munaf adds that OKC’s defense, unlike the Knicks', is fully equipped to contain Indiana’s offense, especially Tyrese Haliburton.
They quiz each other on Finals experience: Caruso (Thunder), Siakam, Nesmith, and Bryant (Pacers). Debating the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, Mackenzie leans Siakam due to his two-way impact, though both acknowledge Halliburton’s critical offensive role.
Finally, they share best bets. Munaf selects OKC -9 for Game 1 and Siakam over 19.5 points, citing favorable matchups against OKC’s interior defenders. Mackenzie agrees, adding that Siakam's playoff experience positions him well. For Finals MVP longshots, Mackenzie likes Siakam at 16-1, while Munaf backs Jalen Williams at 35-1 as a breakout candidate if defenses focus heavily on SGA.
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