NBA Predictions & Preview For Monday, June 16th (NBA Finals Game 5)

The Oklahoma City Thunder covered the spread in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, and I subsequently hit my first bet of the series. Nature is healing. Now, can we make it back-to-back? Here are your NBA predictions and preview for Monday, June 16th.

NBA Predictions & Preview For Monday, June 16th (NBA Finals Game 5)

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers

Start Time – 8:30 PM EST

I wrote previously that if the Oklahoma City Thunder could only put together four good quarters, they’d be alright and would beat the Indiana Pacers. Turns out, I was off with my math – they only needed one good quarter to win Game 4.

The Thunder hung around the Pacers through three quarters before putting their foot on the gas and burying the home team in the final 12 minutes on Friday night, outscoring Indiana by 14 points.

And, as mentioned above, they finally covered a spread for me. The Thunder covering the spread was my go-to move during the regular season. But they barely covered the 5.5-point spread, winning by seven.

Now back at home for a pivotal Game 5 tomorrow night, kicking off what is now a best-of-three series, can the Thunder cover a 9.5-point spread? Game 2, also played in the Paycom Center, was the only game that they beat these pesky Pacers by more than 9.5 points. I think the Thunder win tomorrow night, but I think Indiana hangs around enough for a play on them plus the points to be the smart move.

Best Bet: Indiana -9.5 (-108)

Overall Record: 196-165 (54%)
Profit (based on $100/bet): $1,405.59
Return on Investment: 4%