The 2025 NBA Finals tip off tonight as the Oklahoma City Thunder host the fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers at Paycom Center in Game 1.
Both teams are seeking their first NBA championship, setting the stage for a historic showdown.
(The Thunder franchise has one NBA title under its belt as the Seattle Supersonics.)
Thunder’s Dominance and MVP Leadership
Oklahoma City enters the Finals with a league-best 68–14 record, boasting the NBA’s most formidable defense and a deep, versatile roster.
Leading the charge is 2025 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 32.7 points per game during the regular season and earned Western Conference Finals MVP honors after his dominant showing against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Thunder’s depth is further highlighted by Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein, who help form a balanced attack that can punish opponents both in the halfcourt and in transition.
Pacers’ Resilient Playoff Run
Indiana has defied expectations all postseason, eliminating the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks to reach their first Finals since 2000.
Led by Tyrese Haliburton and Eastern Conference Finals MVP Pascal Siakam, the Pacers have shown remarkable poise, especially on the road, where they’ve gone 6–2 during the playoffs.
Siakam’s championship experience with the 2019 Toronto Raptors adds a steady veteran presence that has proven vital during tense playoff moments.
Key Matchups and Strategies
Haliburton vs. Thunder’s Defense
Haliburton’s ability to dictate pace and generate shots will be tested against a Thunder defense that thrives at disrupting primary ball handlers.
Siakam’s Inside Game
Indiana will need a productive night from Siakam in the paint. He’ll face long, athletic defenders who can contest shots and rotate quickly.
Thunder’s Bench vs. Pacers’ Rotation
Oklahoma City’s bench has delivered consistently this postseason. If the Pacers’ rotation shortens, OKC could open the game up with its second unit.
Game Prediction: Thunder by 10.
Series Prediction: Thunder in 5.
How to Watch Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder airs live on ABC. The game also streams on the ABC and ESPN apps and websites.
Date & Time: Thursday, June 5, 2025, 8:30 PM Eastern
Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
TV: ABC
Streaming: ABC and ESPN apps and websites
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