The 2025 NBA Finals are almost upon us, and basketball fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement. This year’s matchup features two teams with vastly different legacies and styles of play but with one shared goal—to take home the coveted Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. The Oklahoma City Thunder are back in the Finals for the first time since 2012, taking on the Indiana Pacers, a franchise on the rise and eager to make a statement. Who will emerge victorious? Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated showdown.
A Classic Underdog Versus Favorite Matchup
The 2025 Finals pits the league’s best regular-season team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, against the scrappy Indiana Pacers. Oklahoma City enters the series as the overwhelming favorite, having dominated the regular season with an incredible 68-14 record. Their historic 55-23-4 record against the spread has cemented their status as a juggernaut.
On the other side, the Pacers have earned their place on basketball’s biggest stage with grit and precision. They clinched their Finals berth with a hard-fought six-game series victory over the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Meanwhile, the Thunder defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games to secure their spot in the title fight.
According to oddsmakers, Oklahoma City opened as -800 favorites, while Indiana trails as +550 underdogs. It’s David versus Goliath, and basketball fans can’t wait to see how this story unfolds.
Game Schedule
The seven-game series will tip off on Thursday, June 5, in Oklahoma City. Here’s the full schedule so you don’t miss a moment of the action:
- Game 1: Thursday, June 5, 8:30 PM ET (Thunder home)
- Game 2: Sunday, June 8, 8:00 PM ET (Thunder home)
- Game 3: Wednesday, June 11, 8:30 PM ET (Pacers home)
- Game 4: Friday, June 13, 8:30 PM ET (Pacers home)
- Game 5 (if necessary): Monday, June 16, 8:30 PM ET (Thunder home)
- Game 6 (if necessary): Thursday, June 19, 8:30 PM ET (Pacers home)
- Game 7 (if necessary): Sunday, June 22, 8:00 PM ET (Thunder home)
MVP Showdown Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Tyrese Haliburton
The Finals will showcase an electrifying individual matchup between two of the league’s brightest stars. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who claimed the 2025 MVP award, leads the charge for the Thunder. With season averages of 32.7 points, 6.4 assists, and 5 rebounds per game, Gilgeous-Alexander has been nearly unstoppable. His incredible efficiency (52/38/90 shooting splits) and ability to draw fouls make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
On the other side is Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ gifted playmaker and leader. Haliburton averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists during the regular season but has elevated his game in the playoffs. His 32-point, 15-assist, zero-turnover Game 4 against the Knicks was a masterclass in control and creativity.
Both players have been pivotal to their team’s success throughout the postseason, and their contrasting styles will create fireworks on the Finals stage. Gilgeous-Alexander’s surgical scoring versus Haliburton’s calm, methodical playmaking is a matchup basketball purists will savor.
Keys to Victory for the Thunder
1. Leverage Their Depth
The Thunder boast one of the deepest rosters in the league. Beyond Gilgeous-Alexander, they’ll rely on their supporting cast to maintain their high level of play. Players like Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren have been instrumental in their postseason success. Holmgren’s rim protection and Giddey’s versatile playmaking will need to shine.
2. Dominate on Both Ends
Oklahoma City has found success by being elite on both offense and defense. Their ability to switch seamlessly and apply pressure on defense could stifle the Pacers’ rhythm. Combine that with their efficient scoring, and it becomes clear why Oklahoma City holds the advantage.
3. Protect the Paint
While the Pacers have relied heavily on perimeter shooting, players like Haliburton and Myles Turner have thrived in attacking the rim. OKC will need to dominate the paint and keep the Pacers from scoring easy baskets inside.
Keys to Victory for the Pacers
1. Tyrese Haliburton’s Leadership
Haliburton’s poise and ability to dictate the pace of the game will be crucial. If he can keep turnovers low while exploiting gaps in OKC’s defense, Indiana will have a chance to surprise the Thunder.
2. Three-Point Shooting
Indiana must rely on their perimeter game. They’ll need contributions from shooters like Buddy Hield and Chris Duarte to outpace the Thunder. If the threes start falling, Indiana might just tip the scales in their favor.
3. Defense, Defense, Defense
The Pacers face an uphill battle in slowing down the Thunder’s offense. A collective effort anchored by Myles Turner in the paint will be necessary to contain Gilgeous-Alexander and prevent an offensive onslaught.
Prediction Who Will Win the NBA Finals
While the Indiana Pacers have been a feel-good story this postseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dominance cannot be understated. They’ve thrived all season long, finishing with the best record in the NBA and steamrolling their way through the playoffs. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing at an all-time great level and a deep, talented supporting cast, OKC has every tool needed to secure the championship.
The Pacers’ playoff grit and Haliburton’s creativity may allow them to steal a game or two, but ultimately, the Thunder’s firepower and versatility will likely overwhelm Indiana. Prediction Oklahoma City Thunder win the series in 5 games.
Final Thoughts
For one team, the 2025 NBA Finals will cement their dominance and elevate their stars to the pantheon of champions. For the other, it will serve as a valuable experience and stepping stone for future success. Regardless of the outcome, basketball fans are in for a thrilling series filled with intriguing matchups and unforgettable performances.
Don’t miss history in the making. Who do you think will come out on top? Share your thoughts below!
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