The stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying NBA Finals as the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to host the Indiana Pacers in a matchup few predicted at the season’s outset. Game 1 tips off Thursday, June 5, at 8:30 p.m. ET, marking the beginning of what basketball analysts are calling one of the most intriguing Finals matchups in recent memory.
For the Thunder, this represents their first Finals appearance since 2012, when a young core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden fell to the Miami Heat. The Pacers, meanwhile, return to basketball’s biggest stage for the first time since 2000, when Reggie Miller led Indiana against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The paths these teams took to reach the Finals share fascinating parallels, with both franchises rising from the ashes of Paul George trades to build championship contenders. Oklahoma City’s journey began when they dealt George to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019, acquiring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a move that would transform their franchise. The Pacers similarly reset their trajectory by trading Domantas Sabonis to the Sacramento Kings for Tyrese Haliburton, who has blossomed into one of the league’s premier playmakers.
“This Finals matchup represents the new NBA,” said ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith. “Two small market teams that rebuilt through smart drafting, player development, and strategic trades rather than chasing superstar free agents.”
Oklahoma City earned their Finals berth by dismantling the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the Western Conference Finals. Their defense suffocated Minnesota’s offense, while Gilgeous-Alexander continued his MVP caliber play, averaging 28.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 7.8 assists throughout the playoffs.
The Pacers took a more dramatic route, outlasting the New York Knicks in six hard fought games that rekindled memories of their fierce 1990s rivalry. Haliburton proved to be the difference maker, orchestrating Indiana’s high octane offense with precision passing and timely scoring.
“Tyrese Haliburton is the key to this series,” Smith emphasized. “His ability to control tempo and find open shooters will determine whether Indiana can overcome Oklahoma City’s defensive pressure.”
The Thunder enter as favorites, boasting the better regular season record and home court advantage. Their young core has matured faster than expected, with Gilgeous-Alexander emerging as a bonafide superstar, Chet Holmgren providing elite rim protection, and Jalen Williams establishing himself as an All NBA caliber wing.
Not to be overlooked, the Pacers counter with their own formidable lineup. Beyond Haliburton, Pascal Siakam has provided consistent scoring and veteran leadership since arriving via midseason trade. Myles Turner anchors their defense, while Bennedict Mathurin has emerged as a dangerous scoring threat off the bench.
One significant storyline heading into the series involves Pacers rookie Jarace Walker, who will miss at least the first two games of the Finals due to injury. The former Houston standout had been a key contributor during Indiana’s playoff run, particularly on the defensive end.
The series features an intriguing contrast in styles. Oklahoma City relies on their league leading defense and methodical halfcourt offense, while Indiana pushes the pace at every opportunity, leading all playoff teams in fast break points.
“This is basketball’s version of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object,” said former NBA coach and current analyst Jeff Van Gundy. “Can Indiana maintain their preferred tempo against Oklahoma City’s disciplined defense? That question might determine who lifts the Larry O’Brien Trophy.”
The Finals schedule follows the traditional 2-2-1-1-1 format, with Oklahoma City hosting Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary), while Indiana hosts Games 3, 4, and 6 (if necessary). All games will be broadcast on ABC and streamed on ESPN+.
Basketball fans are in for a treat as these two rising powers clash for NBA supremacy. Both teams feature young, hungry stars eager to prove themselves on the biggest stage, and both franchises represent the changing landscape of the NBA, where smart team building can trump market size and traditional advantages.
“Nobody had Thunder versus Pacers in their preseason Finals predictions,” said Turner Sports analyst Charles Barkley. “But these are legitimately two of the best teams in basketball. This series could go seven games, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it delivers some all time classic moments.”
As Thursday approaches, anticipation builds for what could be one of the most competitive and entertaining Finals in recent memory. For basketball purists, this matchup represents the beautiful evolution of the game, showcasing team oriented basketball, player development, and the fruits of patient rebuilding.
NBA Finals 2025 Schedule
- Game 1: Pacers at Thunder (Thursday, June 5, 8:30 p.m. ET)
- Game 2: Pacers at Thunder (Sunday, June 8, 8 p.m. ET)
- Game 3: Thunder at Pacers (Wednesday, June 11, 8:30 p.m. ET)
- Game 4: Thunder at Pacers (Friday, June 13, 8:30 p.m. ET)
- Game 5*: Pacers at Thunder (Monday, June 16, 8:30 p.m. ET)
- Game 6*: Thunder at Pacers (Thursday, June 19, 8:30 p.m. ET)
- Game 7*: Pacers at Thunder (Sunday, June 22, 8 p.m. ET)
*If necessary
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 NBA Finals
How did the Thunder and Pacers build their Finals teams?
Both teams built through shrewd trades and excellent drafting. Oklahoma City’s core came largely from the Paul George trade with the Clippers, which brought them Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They added Chet Holmgren through the draft and developed Jalen Williams into an All NBA talent. The Pacers similarly acquired Tyrese Haliburton by trading Domantas Sabonis to Sacramento, then added Pascal Siakam via midseason trade this year.
Who are the key players to watch in this series?
For Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the way as their offensive engine and defensive stopper. Chet Holmgren provides elite rim protection and floor spacing. Jalen Williams has emerged as a two way force. For Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton orchestrates their league leading offense with his passing and shooting. Pascal Siakam provides scoring and veteran leadership, while Myles Turner anchors their defense.
What are the biggest storylines heading into the Finals?
The parallel rebuilds through Paul George trades is fascinating, as both teams received key pieces from dealing the same player. The stylistic contrast between Oklahoma City’s defensive focus and Indiana’s up tempo offense creates an intriguing chess match. Jarace Walker’s injury absence for at least the first two games impacts Indiana’s defensive options. The youth movement is also notable, as both teams feature young cores reaching the Finals ahead of schedule.
Which team is favored to win?
Oklahoma City enters as the betting favorite, with home court advantage and a slightly more proven playoff pedigree. Their league leading defense gives them an edge in what many analysts expect to be a competitive series. However, Indiana’s explosive offense and resilience throughout the playoffs make them a dangerous underdog.
How can I watch the NBA Finals?
All NBA Finals games will be broadcast on ABC and streamed on ESPN+. Games typically start at 8:00 or 8:30 p.m. ET, with pre game coverage beginning an hour before tipoff.
When was the last time either team made the Finals?
Oklahoma City last appeared in the Finals in 2012 with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden, losing to the Miami Heat. Indiana’s last Finals appearance was in 2000, when they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
What happens if the series is tied after six games?
If the series is tied 3-3 after six games, a decisive Game 7 will be played in Oklahoma City on Sunday, June 22. The Thunder earned home court advantage by finishing with a better regular season record than the Pacers.
