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2025 NBA Finals: What to Expect in Thunder-Pacers Series
The 2025 NBA Finals are set, and it’s a matchup few predicted but many are now excited for: the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. the Indiana Pacers. Both teams have defied expectations on their way to the biggest stage in basketball—and now they’re fighting for their first-ever NBA championship.
Here’s everything you need to know and what to expect from the Thunder-Pacers series.
🔥 Series Overview: Clash of Underdog Titans
Neither team was considered a top favorite when the season started, but both peaked at the right time.
- Oklahoma City Thunder (68–14): The Thunder finished with the league’s best record and dominated through the Western Conference Playoffs, eliminating Memphis, Denver, and Minnesota.
- Indiana Pacers (47–35): Despite a modest regular season, Indiana has knocked out the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Knicks with high-efficiency offense and grit.
This marks the first Finals appearance for the Thunder since 2012 and the Pacers’ first since 2000.
🧠 Key Storylines to Watch
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Tyrese Haliburton
Two of the NBA’s best young guards are front and center:
- SGA, the 2025 league MVP, is averaging over 30 PPG in the playoffs.
- Haliburton is leading Indiana’s fast-paced offense with elite vision and clutch play.
2. Youth vs. Experience
The Thunder are the youngest team to reach the Finals since 1977, while the Pacers blend youthful energy with veteran savvy in players like Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner.
3. Transition Offense Showdown
- OKC generates 15.6% of its offense in transition, scoring 1.42 points per possession.
- Indiana is disciplined, with one of the lowest turnover rates (12.7%) in the playoffs—critical against a team that punishes mistakes.
4. Defense vs. Pace
- The Thunder boast a top-tier defense, anchored by Chet Holmgren and Luguentz Dort.
- The Pacers are built for speed, leading the league in fast-break points during the regular season and playoffs.
📅 2025 NBA Finals Schedule (All times PDT)
- Game 1: Pacers @ Thunder – Thu, June 5 – 5:30 PM
- Game 2: Pacers @ Thunder – Sun, June 8 – 5:00 PM
- Game 3: Thunder @ Pacers – Wed, June 11 – 5:30 PM
- Game 4: Thunder @ Pacers – Fri, June 13 – 5:30 PM
- Game 5: Pacers @ Thunder – Mon, June 16 (if needed)
- Game 6: Thunder @ Pacers – Thu, June 19 (if needed)
- Game 7: Pacers @ Thunder – Sun, June 22 (if needed)
📺 How to Watch the 2025 NBA Finals
Catch every game live on:
- ABC
- ESPN3
- Streaming: Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV (free trial available)
🔮 Series Prediction
The Thunder have home-court advantage, the league MVP, and a historic regular season behind them. But the Pacers are battle-tested, offensively dynamic, and fearless.
Prediction: Thunder in 6 — but expect tight games and potential for surprises.
🏀 Final Thoughts
This series is a basketball purist’s dream: two rising franchises built through smart drafting, player development, and bold coaching. The Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals is more than just a battle for a trophy—it’s a look at the future of the league.