June 1, 2025
The stage is set for an NBA Finals that few predicted but many are now eagerly anticipating, as the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder prepare to battle for basketball’s ultimate prize beginning Thursday, June 5. This compelling matchup features two small-market teams with contrasting styles and remarkable journeys, guaranteeing that a first-time NBA champion will be crowned when the dust settles.
The Thunder, who dominated the regular season with a staggering 68 wins and continued their juggernaut-like run through the Western Conference playoffs, enter as heavy favorites (-700) against a Pacers team that has embraced its underdog status throughout a magical postseason run that culminated in dispatching the New York Knicks in six games to claim the Eastern Conference crown.
“It’s a magical ride,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle described his team’s journey, perhaps channeling the spirit of the classic basketball film “Hoosiers” that depicted a small Indiana high school team defying the odds to win a championship. But can these real-life Hoosiers pull off what would be one of the most surprising NBA Finals upsets in recent memory?
A Tale of Two Styles
This Finals presents a fascinating clash of basketball philosophies: Oklahoma City’s suffocating defense against Indiana’s high-octane offense. The Thunder, anchored by newly-crowned MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and featuring two All-Defensive team members in Lu Dort (first team) and Jalen Williams (second team), have systematically dismantled opponents throughout the playoffs with their relentless defensive pressure.
Meanwhile, the Pacers have raced through the Eastern Conference behind Tyrese Haliburton’s brilliant playmaking and an offense that leads all playoff teams with an 8.5 points per game advantage in transition. Indiana’s pass-happy approach (Haliburton led the league with 9.2 pass-ahead passes per game) stands in stark contrast to the Thunder’s more methodical style.
The regular season meetings between these teams suggest a Thunder advantage, with Oklahoma City winning both contests:
- A 120-114 victory in Indiana
- A more decisive 132-111 win in Oklahoma City
But playoff basketball often writes its own script, and the Pacers have already defied expectations by reaching this stage.
Key Matchups That Will Define the Series
Several critical individual battles will likely determine which team hoists the Larry O’Brien Trophy:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Tyrese Haliburton: The point guard duel features two of the league’s brightest young stars with contrasting styles. SGA, the league and Western Conference finals MVP, uses his length and craftiness to slice into the paint and finish with an array of moves. Haliburton, who was controversially voted “most overrated player” by his peers earlier this season, has silenced critics with his exceptional court vision and timely scoring, including a historic 32-point, 15-assist, 12-rebound, 4-steal, zero-turnover masterpiece against the Knicks.
- Chet Holmgren vs. Myles Turner: The battle of the big men could be decisive, particularly on the glass where Oklahoma City appears to have a significant advantage. Holmgren has grown up fast during these playoffs, while Turner’s outside shooting could pull the Thunder’s rim protection away from the basket.
- Pascal Siakam vs. Jalen Williams: Siakam, the Eastern Conference finals MVP, brings championship experience from his Toronto days and will need to be at his best against Williams, who has emerged as a two-way force for the Thunder but showed some inconsistency in the Denver series.
- Bench Units: The Thunder’s depth has been a weapon throughout the season, with Alex Caruso, Aaron Wiggins, and Cason Wallace providing quality minutes. Indiana counters with the third-highest scoring bench unit in the postseason, though questions remain about whether players like Bennedict Mathurin can maintain their defensive intensity.
The Paul George Connection
In a fascinating twist of NBA fate, both Finals teams can trace their current success back to trades involving the same player: Paul George.
The Pacers traded George to the Thunder in 2017, receiving Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis in return. Years later, they flipped Sabonis to Sacramento for Haliburton, who has become their franchise cornerstone.
Meanwhile, when George requested a trade to the Clippers in 2019, the Thunder received a massive haul of draft picks that directly and indirectly led to their current roster construction, including the acquisition of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
This shared history adds another layer of intrigue to a Finals matchup that already features compelling storylines at every turn.
Small Markets, Big Stage
While some television executives might have preferred more prominent market teams in the Finals, basketball purists are celebrating this matchup between two small-market franchises that have built their teams through smart drafting, strategic trades, and player development rather than free agent splashes.
“Forget the small-market conversation,” writes NBA.com’s Shaun Powell. “It’s not about market size — who cares. Hardcore fans will tune in regardless. It’s about players meeting the challenge to get casuals to watch and make for a compelling series.”
| Category | Oklahoma City Thunder | Indiana Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Record | 68-14 (1st in West) | 54-28 (4th in East) |
| Playoff Path | Defeated Pelicans (4-1), Nuggets (4-2), Timberwolves (4-1) | Defeated Heat (4-2), Celtics (4-3), Knicks (4-2) |
| Offensive Rating (Playoffs) | 116.8 (3rd) | 119.2 (1st) |
| Defensive Rating (Playoffs) | 107.3 (1st) | 114.6 (8th) |
| Key Strength | Elite defense (17.7 opponent turnovers per 100 possessions) | Transition offense (8.5 points per game advantage) |
| Head Coach | Mark Daigneault (2025 Coach of the Year) | Rick Carlisle (2011 NBA Champion with Mavericks) |
| Last Finals Appearance | Never (franchise relocated from Seattle in 2008) | 2000 (lost to Lakers) |
The Human Element
Beyond the statistics and matchups, this Finals features compelling personal narratives that add emotional depth to the basketball drama.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, this represents the culmination of a breakout season that saw him emerge from being merely considered a promising young player to legitimate superstar and MVP. His journey from being traded by the Clippers to becoming the face of the Thunder’s remarkable rebuild stands as one of the NBA’s most impressive individual ascensions.
Haliburton, meanwhile, carries the chip on his shoulder from being traded by Sacramento and subsequently labeled overrated by his peers. His joyful, team-first approach to the game has won over basketball purists and transformed the Pacers from afterthoughts to Finals contenders.
For Carlisle, this represents a chance at a second championship, 14 years after he guided Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks to an upset victory over LeBron James’ Heat. The veteran coach has masterfully deployed his team’s strengths while minimizing their weaknesses throughout this playoff run.
Expert Prediction
While the Pacers have defied expectations throughout these playoffs, the Thunder’s combination of elite defense, star power, and depth makes them the clear favorites. As NBA.com’s Powell puts it: “Oklahoma City carries the distinction of dominating the NBA all season and through much of the playoffs. Start with 68 wins, a record point differential, epic defense and XXL-long depth. Will that suddenly vaporize here at the finish line, against a team that finished 14 games behind the top seed in the East? That seems unlikely.”
The most likely outcome appears to be Thunder in five games, though if Haliburton can work his magic and the Pacers can leverage their transition game effectively, this series could certainly extend longer and potentially produce one of the great Finals upsets in NBA history.
Series Schedule
All games will be broadcast on ABC, with tip-off times in Eastern Standard Time:
• Game 1: Pacers at Thunder (Thu. June 5, 8:30 PM)
• Game 2: Pacers at Thunder (Sun. June 8, 8:00 PM)
• Game 3: Thunder at Pacers (Wed. June 11, 8:30 PM)
• Game 4: Thunder at Pacers (Fri. June 13, 8:30 PM)
• Game 5: Pacers at Thunder (Mon. June 16, 8:30 PM) *
• Game 6: Thunder at Pacers (Thu. June 19, 8:30 PM) *
• Game 7: Pacers at Thunder (Sun, June 22, 8:00 PM) *
* = if necessary
Whether this series ends in a Thunder coronation or a Pacers miracle, basketball fans are in for a treat as two talented, well-coached teams with contrasting styles battle for NBA supremacy.
FAQ: 2025 NBA Finals
When do the 2025 NBA Finals start?
The 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers begin on Thursday, June 5, with Game 1 tipping off at 8:30 PM Eastern Time at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
How did the Thunder and Pacers reach the NBA Finals?
The Thunder, the Western Conference’s top seed with a 68-14 regular season record, defeated the New Orleans Pelicans (4-1), Denver Nuggets (4-2), and Minnesota Timberwolves (4-1) to reach the Finals. The Pacers, the Eastern Conference’s fourth seed at 54-28, eliminated the Miami Heat (4-2), Boston Celtics (4-3), and New York Knicks (4-2).
Has either team won an NBA championship before?
Neither franchise has won an NBA championship in their current locations. The Thunder franchise (formerly the Seattle SuperSonics before relocating in 2008) won a championship in 1979 while in Seattle. The Pacers have never won an NBA title, though they did win three ABA championships (1970, 1972, 1973) before joining the NBA in the 1976 merger.
Who are the key players to watch in this series?
For the Thunder, MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the way, supported by All-Star Jalen Williams and rookie sensation Chet Holmgren. The Pacers are led by All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton and Eastern Conference finals MVP Pascal Siakam, with Myles Turner providing interior presence.
What are the betting odds for the series?
The Thunder enter as heavy favorites at -700 (meaning you’d need to bet $700 to win $100), while the Pacers are +500 underdogs (a $100 bet would win $500). These odds reflect Oklahoma City’s dominant regular season and playoff performance.
What is the Paul George connection between these teams?
Both teams’ current success can be traced back to trades involving Paul George. The Pacers traded George to the Thunder in 2017, receiving Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis, who was later traded for Tyrese Haliburton. The Thunder traded George to the Clippers in 2019 for a massive draft pick haul that helped build their current roster, including acquiring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
How do these teams match up stylistically?
This is a classic offense vs. defense matchup. The Pacers have the most efficient offense in the playoffs, particularly excelling in transition (8.5 points per game advantage). The Thunder boast the top-ranked defense, forcing a league-leading 17.7 turnovers per 100 possessions.
Did these teams play each other in the regular season?
Yes, the Thunder won both regular season matchups: 120-114 in Indiana and 132-111 in Oklahoma City.
Who are the head coaches?
Mark Daigneault, the 2025 NBA Coach of the Year, leads the Thunder. Rick Carlisle, who won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, coaches the Pacers.
Where can I watch the NBA Finals?
All NBA Finals games will be broadcast exclusively on ABC in the United States. Games can also be streamed on the ESPN app with a valid TV provider login.
