In a few weeks, basketball fans will witness the crowning of a new NBA Champion for the seventh consecutive year, marking a historic moment as one of the competing teams will be a first-time champion. While the Indiana Pacers boast three ABA titles from the 1970s and the Oklahoma City Thunder's predecessors, the Seattle SuperSonics, have one championship, we are focusing solely on their NBA achievements. The 2025 NBA Finals signify a shift in the league, led by a fresh generation of stars, even though neither team made an appearance in the NBA's Christmas Day lineup. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming clash between the Pacers and the Thunder.
The NBA Finals will commence with Game 1 on Thursday, June 5, as the Indiana Pacers travel to Oklahoma City. The series will follow a 2-2-1-1-1 format, ensuring manageable travel for both teams between these Midwestern cities. Below is the complete schedule for the Indiana vs. Oklahoma City Finals:
Game 1: Pacers at Thunder; Thu. June 5, 8:30 PM, ABCGame 2: Pacers at Thunder; Sun. June 8, 8:00 PM, ABCGame 3: Thunder at Pacers; Wed. June 11, 8:30 PM, ABCGame 4: Thunder at Pacers; Fri. June 13, 8:30 PM, ABCGame 5: Pacers at Thunder; Mon. June 16, 8:30 PM, ABC*Game 6: Thunder at Pacers; Thu. June 19, 8:30 PM, ABC*Game 7: Pacers at Thunder; Sun. June 22, 8:00 PM, ABC*For the Pacers to secure their first NBA title, Myles Turner must elevate his performance against the Thunder. In their regular-season matchups, Turner struggled, averaging just 11.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game on a shooting percentage of 31.6%. While he had a more efficient shooting percentage in the Eastern Conference Finals, his rebounding numbers fell short at just 3.2 per game. Alongside stars Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, Turner’s contributions will be critical for Indiana’s success in this series.
Another vital player for the Pacers is Andrew Nembhard, who has excelled on both ends of the court throughout the postseason. Serving as the primary defender against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nembhard will need to step up again. He averaged 19.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists against the Thunder this season. His ability to slow down SGA, who scored 78 points in their two regular-season matchups, will be crucial for Indiana’s chances of winning.
The Indiana Pacers thrive on chaos, aiming to play a fast-paced game that forces turnovers and creates scoring opportunities. Their playoff strategy has been effective, but the Thunder also excel in transition, boasting the league's best transition defense. This season, OKC has capitalized on turnovers to score an impressive 1.42 points per transition possession. For the Pacers to upset the Thunder, they must maintain ball control and limit Oklahoma City's scoring opportunities in transition.
Both teams have shown prowess in the midrange game this postseason. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the playoffs in midrange attempts, shooting 47.9% from this area. The Pacers also excel in midrange scoring, hitting 48.7% of their attempts. As the series progresses, one team's proficiency in midrange shots could be a decisive factor in the outcome.
Tyrese Haliburton, who has been a standout player for the Pacers, faces a daunting challenge against the Thunder's relentless pressure defense. Past playoff performances show that when teams apply physical pressure, Haliburton has occasionally struggled. The Thunder will likely assign Lu Dort to guard him, along with other defenders, making it essential for Haliburton to rise above this challenge and lead the Pacers’ offense effectively.
Analysts predict a competitive series, with many favoring the Thunder due to their depth and overall performance. Betting insights suggest the Thunder are strong favorites, with various predictions indicating they may win the series in five to six games. Expect a thrilling matchup as both teams battle for the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy.
In conclusion, the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder promises to be an exciting showcase of talent and strategy. With both teams eager to make history, basketball fans should prepare for an unforgettable championship series.
