The Big Lead

Rap icon Jay-Z loses seven-figure bet on Game 3 of NBA Finals

Jay-Z took the Oklahoma City Thunder loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 3 of the NBA Finals harder than most.

By Josh Sanchez

Recording artist Jay-Z arrives before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Recording artist Jay-Z arrives before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Sports betting is a tough and dangerous game, and the lessons and losses can hit you hard. Luckily for rap icon Jay-Z, he has a net worth of 2.5 billion, so he'll be able to survive his seven-figure loss suffered during Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.

According to TMZ Sports, Hov placed a massive $1 million bet on the Thunder that was spoiled by the Pacers' win and taking a 2-1 series lead.

"TMZ Sports reported ahead of the series the 25-time Grammy-winning artist was so confident in OKC's chances against the Eastern Conference champions, he placed the hefty wager through the Fanatics Sportsbook that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. would hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy after five games," the report reads.

MORE: Stephen A. Smith slams Pacers superstar Tyrese Haliburton during NBA Finals

With some simple math, you know that is not impossible.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Jay-Z could have won $3.3 million if his bet would have hit, but Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers had other plans.

MORE: Fans roast commissioner Adam Silver after being only celebrity shown at NBA Finals

The Thunder will be looking for a quick bounceback on Friday, June 13, as they aim to avoid being put on the ropes. Tip-off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. / Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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