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- What: 2025 NBA Finals
- When: June 5-22, 2025
- Who: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- Time: 8:30 p.m. EST
- Where: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, OK) and Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Indianapolis, IN)
The 2025 NBA Finals have arrived, with the Indiana Pacers set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday.
Both teams have posted a 12-4 record in the postseason, with Indiana needing six games to win the Eastern Conference and Oklahoma City advancing in five.
This matchup is significant as both cities are pursuing their first championship in league history, a feat last achieved in 2006 when Miami faced Dallas.
Indiana has previously lost in the NBA Finals (2000), while the Thunder, formerly the SuperSonics, won a title in 1979 but lost their only Finals appearance since relocating in 2008.
This marks their first playoff meeting. Since January 1, the Thunder have the league’s best record at .803, while the Pacers are at .719.
If OKC wins the championship, their total of 84 regular and postseason victories would be the most since the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls.
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the league with 32.7 points per game, potentially surpassing Michael Jordan’s Finals scoring record.
The Pacers’ playoff run has been highlighted by four comebacks of 17 points or more, setting a record since 1997. After defeating the 64-win Cavaliers, they could make history by also topping the 68-win Thunder.
Before we examine our picks, check out the best NBA Basketball Betting Sites.
Series Preview (Pacers vs. Thunder)
The NBA Finals MVP favorites are two of the league’s most electrifying players, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander impressing in the regular season and Tyrese Haliburton emerging as a key postseason player.
SGA has faced criticism for being a “free-throw merchant,” but he also ranked third in 2-pointers made per game (9.2) and shot 57.1% inside the arc.
He led the league in win shares (16.7) and defensive win shares (4.8) while also placing fifth in steals per game (1.7). Haliburton’s skills will be challenged by Oklahoma City’s tough defense, especially given their length on the perimeter.
The Pacers need Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard to effectively combat Gilgeous-Alexander to have any chance in the series.
After last year’s conference semifinal exit, the Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million deal, which has paid off as he posted career highs in several categories.
YOUNG. HUNGRY. HISTORIC. THUNDER.
⛈️ Franchise-best 68-14 record
⛈️ 12-4 in postseason thus far
⛈️ Can become 4th team to win 84+They're a two-way juggernaut and have the #KiaMVP SGA. Next up for OKC… the #NBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV! pic.twitter.com/ccN2pGx6XF
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2025
He and Chet Holmgren have bolstered Oklahoma City’s formidable defense.
This matchup will see the Thunder’s rebounding advantage against the Pacers, who will rely on Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam for their size and shooting ability.
If the series becomes a battle for extra possessions, OKC’s rebounding strength could decide the outcome.
Both head coaches are making their NBA Finals debuts, and the one who best manages the game’s tempo will likely emerge victorious.
Kudos to Pacers coach Rick Carlisle for employing a fast-paced strategy against the Knicks, while Thunder coach Mark Daigneault’s defense has been a thorn in the side of opponents.
Oklahoma City has allowed the fewest opponent possessions, boosting their fast-break effectiveness.
If Haliburton can limit turnovers, the Pacers might surprise. However, if the Thunder can turn the series into a half-court game, their chances look strong.
The Thunder’s historic net rating places them as favorites (-665), indicating an 86.9% chance of winning, a position that historically results in a championship.
While the Pacers have a cohesive style, OKC has the edge in depth and athleticism.
Despite their success, I can see Indiana stealing a game or two—likely at home—but I expect Oklahoma City to clinch the title, bringing home the championship for the first time.
Click here for more information regarding the best NBA playoffs bets in the league.
Total Games
The next prop we will look at is the total amount of games that will be played in the series.
Oddsmakers have heavily favored the Thunder in this series and priced it to be a short one. The series to go five games has the shortest price at +180, while a sweep is priced at +250.
Less than 24 hours until the NBA Finals begin.
Indiana, this is our time.
Narrated by Mark Boyle. pic.twitter.com/jwM8tdKNxF
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 5, 2025
The next two options for the amount of games in the series are six games is at +320 while seven games is at +350.
While, oddsmakers are favoring the Thunder to win the NBA Championship in five games, I think the series will be longer.
I’m expecting the Pacers to win two games in this series. I believe they are competitive throughout the series, but fall short in six games.
Taking the series to go six games at +320 is the best bet for this series.
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