There is now more than just money and pride at stake for Indiana in the NBA Finals.
Gov. Mike Braun took to X on June 3 to wager the state’s “finest pork” on the Oklahoma City Thunder's beating the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals that begin June 5.
In a video, Braun spoke directly to Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt.
“I’m predicting that we’re gonna win as the underdogs, and if I lose you’re gonna get a big package of pork products from the Smoking Goose Meatery," Braun said.
Smoking Goose, based in Indianapolis, offers a range of meats, from salumes in different flavors to bacon, ham and sausages.
Stitt responded with his own video on X just an hour later, promising “world-class” Oklahoma steaks if the Thunder lose.
A quarter of a century has ed since the Pacers were in the 2000 finals. The Thunder, who last went to the finals in 2012, are favored to win by both experts and sports betting websites. Oklahoma City beat the Pacers both times the teams met during the regular season.
Game One in the best of seven series will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on June 5 in Oklahoma City.