The NBA Finals tip off on Thursday night, and few matchups in recent memory have offered such a contrast in styles or such a compelling betting angle.

Indiana’s lightning-fast, high-octane offence meets the lockdown discipline of Oklahoma City’s top-ranked defence in what promises to be a collision of extremes.

While the Thunder enter as the heavy favourites, opening as short as -800 (1/8) to win the series, early movement in the markets suggests that bettors are giving the Pacers a serious look.

Can the Eastern Conference’s surprise package cause a major upset in Game 1 of the NBA Finals? Sports News Blitz’s NBA expert George Dempsey discusses.