The road to the 2025 NBA championship runs through two very hungry franchises. The Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder are squaring off in a Finals nobody predicted but every basketball fan should be watching. With both teams seeking their first-ever title, breakout stars rising, and storylines much larger than the small markets they come from, this is an NBA Finals you won’t want to miss — even if it is missing a typical big-name franchise (sorry Knicks and Celtics fans).
In any case, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming matchup, including an NBA Finals prediction (let’s hear yours, too).
A Historic Matchup
The 2025 NBA Finals feature a pair of teams seeking their first championship: the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pacers make their first Finals appearance since 2000, while the Thunder return for the first time since 2012. Both teams have built their rosters through savvy trades and draft picks, and now they have a chance raise the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Finals Schedule and Key Dates
Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off Thursday, June 5 in Oklahoma City. If the series goes the full seven games, it will conclude on Sunday, June 22. All games will be broadcast on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET.
- Game 1: June 5 (OKC)
- Game 2: June 7 (OKC)
- Game 3: June 10 (IND)
- Game 4: June 12 (IND)
- Game 5: June 15 (OKC, if needed)
- Game 6: June 18 (IND, if needed)
- Game 7: June 22 (OKC, if needed)
Thunder’s Dominant Season
Oklahoma City finished the regular season with a league-best 68–14 record. It’s tied for the fifth-best regular season ever, simply by wins and losses. However, there’s a case to be made this is the best season ever. Many fans will of course point to the Warriors in 2015-16 or the Bulls in 1995-96, but the Thunder have the most 15+ point victories in a season, and their point differential is the highest in NBA history.
Led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder showcased a balanced attack and stifling defense, making them sizeable favorites heading into the Finals. Don’t worry, we’ll discuss the betting odds shortly.
Pacers’ Underdog Story
The Pacers meanwhile overcame a slow start to the season, rallying to secure the fourth seed in the East. Their playoff run included upsets over the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks, highlighting their depth and one-two punch from Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
Betting Odds Favor Thunder
According to prediction markets, the Thunder have a whopping 83% chance tow in the series, while the Pacers are underdogs but do have a puncher’s chance. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the NBA FInals MVP odds at -600, with Tyrese Haliburton at +700.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP Campaign
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been instrumental in the Thunder’s success, averaging 32.7 points per game during the regular season. He became the first Thunder player to win MVP since Russell Westbrook. Now he’s averaging 29.8 points through the postseason, along with 6.9 assists. The dude can do it all, drawing comparisons to GOATs like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.
Tyrese Haliburton’s Breakout Season
Tyrese Haliburton has emerged as the Pacers’ floor general, orchestrating the offense with precision. His ability to score and facilitate has been crucial to Indiana’s playoff success, averaging 18.8 points per game and nearly 10 assists. He had two three double-doubles and one triple-double in six games against the New York Knicks during the Eastern Conference Finals.
Coaching Strategies
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault emphasizes a team-first approach, fostering a culture of accountability and resilience. The 40 year old is also known as a strategic mastermind despite his youth, using analytics to devise optimal game plans. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, who is 65, brings a ton experience, including an NBA title during his time with the Dallas Mavericks.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Backcourt Battle: Haliburton vs. Gilgeous-Alexander promises to be a thrilling duel between dynamic guards.
- Frontcourt Clash: Pascal Siakam’s versatility will test the Thunder’s interior defense, particularly against Chet Holmgren.
- Pacers Pace: The Indiana Pacers bring a speedy style of basketball, that will try to push the Thunder and take the defensive juggernauts, led by Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso, out of their comfort zones.
Quotes from the Teams
- Tyrese Haliburton: “We’ve got our work cut out for us. … We’re going to be prepared and we’re going to be ready.”
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “As the late great Kobe Bryant once said, the job’s not finished, right? Sixteen are required for a title. Absolutely. You’ve got a dozen. … It’s just a step in the journey.”
- Rick Carlisle: “This is the sixth time that I’ve been to an NBA Finals—three as a player, one as an assistant coach, second time as a head coach. This is no time to be popping champagne.”
- Mark Daigneault: “We’ve tried to strike the right balance of resting and getting ourselves physically ready for the upcoming series while also staying as sharp as we can, staying as much in rhythm as we can… and we’ve tried to learn from each time and we’ll try to do the best we can with the week.”
Prediction and Outlook
The Thunder enter as favorites, and the Pacers have demonstrated the ability to overcome the odds — but it simply might be too big of task for the underdogs this time around.
As already pointed out, this Thunder team has the resume to be one of the greatest teams ever if not the greatest. I think it’s more likely the Thunder sweep than the Pacers take it to seven.
My official prediction: Thunder 4-1.
Now, what’s yours?
