Drake is no stranger to high-stakes bets. Whether it’s backing his favorite teams or chasing the thrill of the perfect parlay, the Toronto-born rapper has built a reputation as much for his music as his polarizing sports wagers. But in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals, the “Drake Curse” may have struck again. Reports and social media sleuths revealed that Drake placed massive bets on the Oklahoma City Thunder moneyline (ML) and an additional wager on the Thunder to win by a margin of 6 to 10 points. Unfortunately for the rap superstar, things didn’t go his way — and his bankroll took another major hit.
A Risky Bet on a Rising Thunder
Heading into Game 6, the Thunder had a chance to close out the NBA Finals at home. Up 3-2 in the series against the Indiana Pacers, confidence was high in Oklahoma City. Young stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren had been electric throughout the postseason, while Jalen Williams and the bench unit provided timely contributions. Drake, who has developed a soft spot for the Thunder in recent years, saw an opportunity and pounced.
He reportedly put down a hefty six-figure sum on the Thunder ML — a straight-up win — and a separate bet with even longer odds: that the Thunder would win by a margin of 6 to 10 points. That type of bet, while potentially lucrative, is extremely specific and leaves little margin for error. But with OKC playing at home and the momentum seemingly in their favor, Drake seemed confident it would cash.
The Pacers Had Other Plans
Unfortunately for Drake and Thunder fans, Game 6 turned into a showcase for the Indiana Pacers. Behind a heroic double-double from Pascal Siakam and gritty performances from Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, and T.J. McConnell, Indiana came into Paycom Center and stunned the crowd. They played with urgency, physicality, and confidence from the opening tip.
Oklahoma City struggled to find a rhythm all night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had been brilliant all series, appeared out of sorts. The offense stagnated, the defense was inconsistent, and the crowd slowly grew more anxious as the game slipped away. By the fourth quarter, it was clear the Thunder weren’t going to win — let alone win by any specific margin. The Pacers led by double digits late and cruised to a 15-point victory, forcing a decisive Game 7.
The Curse Continues?
Drake’s track record when betting on sports teams has become infamous. From the Kentucky Wildcats to Conor McGregor, Serena Williams, and even the Toronto Raptors before their 2019 title run, the so-called “Drake Curse” has been a running joke in the sports world. It seems every time he publicly backs a team or athlete, things go sideways. While some of that is simply coincidence amplified by social media, it’s hard to ignore the string of losses that follow his betting activity.
His Thunder bet adds another entry to the long list of high-profile Ls. Not only did he lose the moneyline bet, but the specific margin pick — 6 to 10 points — never came close. In the unforgiving world of sports gambling, a blowout in the opposite direction is a double gut punch.
Social Media Reacts
It didn’t take long for the internet to catch wind of Drake’s misfortune. Screenshots of his betting slip (posted and deleted quickly on Instagram) circulated widely. Memes, jokes, and hot takes flooded Twitter and Instagram. Some fans joked that Drake should avoid backing their teams, while others speculated that the rapper’s presence might actually inspire opposing players to step up.
One viral post showed a side-by-side of Drake wearing Thunder gear and a scoreboard from Game 6, captioned: “He really did it again 😂.” Another fan wrote, “Can someone get Drake to bet on the Pacers for Game 7? Thanks.”
A Reminder of Betting’s Risks
While Drake’s loss is entertaining for fans online, it also serves as a reminder of the volatility of sports betting. Even the most calculated predictions can be shattered by unexpected performances, momentum swings, and high-pressure moments. Game 6 of the Finals is one of the most unpredictable environments in all of sports — especially when two young, hungry teams like the Thunder and Pacers are involved.
For casual bettors watching from the sidelines, seeing someone as wealthy as Drake lose a massive amount on such a specific outcome brings a dose of reality. If it can go wrong for him, it can definitely go wrong for anyone.
What’s Next?
With Game 7 now looming, fans are wondering whether Drake will double down or stay quiet. Historically, he doesn’t shy away from betting again — and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him back one team or another in the final game of the season. But if he’s smart, he might keep that next bet private to avoid fueling the curse narrative any further.
As for the Thunder, they’ll need to regroup quickly. Game 6 was a missed opportunity, and they’ll now have to win on the road in Indiana to capture their first title since moving to Oklahoma City. Whether Drake bets on them again or not, the pressure is on.
Meanwhile, Indiana has all the momentum heading into Sunday. They looked like the more composed and determined team in Game 6 — and with one win separating them from a championship, the Pacers will surely be fueled by the belief that they can finish the job at home.
Final Thoughts
Drake’s bet on the Thunder was bold, but it backfired spectacularly. In a postseason full of dramatic twists and turns, this was yet another chapter — one that cost the rap mogul a big payday and added more fuel to the myth of the “Drake Curse.” As Game 7 approaches, all eyes will be on the court — and maybe just a few on Drake’s next bet, too.
