Download the NBA App to stay updated with the 2025 NBA Playoffs schedule and get complete coverage of the exciting NBA playoffs. This year, the thrilling championship series culminates in a decisive Game 7 showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers this Sunday night at Paycom Center, starting at 8 PM ET on ABC.
In the history of the NBA Finals, home teams have consistently held a significant advantage, particularly in the last 19 instances of Game 7. This statistic naturally favors the Oklahoma City Thunder, who will host the Indiana Pacers. However, it's worth noting that four teams from the Eastern Conference have made history by winning Game 7 on the road, including the legendary 1969 and 1974 Celtics and the 2016 Cavaliers.
Interestingly, the past three Game 7 Finals were won by teams that entered the final two games trailing 3-2—an impressive feat that the Pacers could draw inspiration from. As the No. 4 seed from the Eastern Conference at the start of the playoffs, the Pacers will face the formidable Thunder, who boasted a remarkable 68-14 regular-season record.
While both teams undoubtedly envisioned a quicker conclusion to the series, the opportunity to compete in Game 7 is not lost on either roster. OKC coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the privilege of participating at this level, stating, “We’re going to enjoy it. We’re going to throw our best punch. Go out there and be who we are.” Thunder wing Jalen Williams echoed these sentiments, noting the electric atmosphere that surrounds such a pivotal game.
Throughout the six games leading up to this climactic moment, a deep respect has developed between the two teams, which was evident during the final day of interviews. Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton encapsulated this sentiment, saying, “There’s not a group of guys I’d rather go to war with.” Both teams, representing small markets and striving for their first championship, have built cohesive and competitive rosters, featuring All-NBA point guards and a strong defensive focus.
As we approach the final 48 minutes of the 2024-25 season, here are four key elements to watch for:
It’s crucial to note that Game 7s can often extend beyond the standard 48 minutes. Historically, two of the previous 19 Game 7s have gone into overtime. With an average margin of victory in Finals Game 7s being just 6.9 points, the intensity is likely to remain high. Interestingly, through the first six games of this series, the Thunder have only outscored the Pacers by a mere three points, indicating a tightly contested finale ahead.
After a lengthy series of adjustments, both teams still have strategies up their sleeves. Indiana’s coach Rick Carlisle hinted at further tweaks, especially following their surprise tactics in Game 6 that led to a decisive victory. The defensive schemes will be critical, especially for the Thunder, who will need to counter the Pacers' new approach effectively.
Look for the backcourts of both teams to provide potential X-factors. The Pacers have seen significant contributions from their bench, including veteran TJ McConnell, who has made history in this Finals. For the Thunder, guards Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace are expected to step up, while Alex Caruso’s two-way play could also make a difference.
Despite the evolution of the NBA game, the performances of the centers in this series have not matched their regular-season outputs. Both Chet Holmgren for the Thunder and Myles Turner for the Pacers have struggled, but both coaches believe there’s still time for their bigs to impact the game, especially defensively.
As the NBA Finals reach a thrilling conclusion, expect nothing less than a high-stakes contest in Game 7, where every possession could determine the champion.
* * * Steve Aschburner has been covering the NBA since 1980. For more insights, you can e-mail him or explore his archive. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the NBA, its clubs, or Warner Bros. Discovery.*
