Thunder vs. Pacers: NBA Finals Game 3 Predictions, How to Watch

The NBA Finals shift to Indianapolis tonight as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers face off with the series tied 1–1.

The Thunder responded to their Game 1 heartbreak with a 123–107 blowout win in Game 2, led by 34 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

SGA is bound for another 30-point night. He’s scored at least 34 in his past four games.

But an OKC victory is by no means guaranteed. If the Pacers can limit their fouls and turnovers, this game will be close.

To come out on top tonight, Indiana will need a standout scorer. The Thunder defense contained Tyrese Haliburton for most of Game 2. He scored just 5 points in the game’s first 39 minutes. By the time he got going, it was too little, too late.

The Pacers had seven players score in double digits in Game 2. That sounds impressive — until you find out that their leading scorer totaled just 17 points.

Indiana will also need to be aggressive on the defensive boards. They gave up too many offensive boards in Game 2, limiting their ability to push the ball forward and maintain their frenetic style of play.

The Pacers have no answer for Gilgeous-Alexander. But they can work to reduce his efficiency from the field and keep the rest of the Thunder team in check. It’s definitely possible. Jalen Williams and the supporting cast have been inconsistent throughout the playoffs.

Expect the Pacers to come out on top in a close game at home tonight. But this series will likely still go the way of the Thunder — in six.

Game Prediction: Indiana by three.

Series Prediction: Thunder in six.

How to Watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers

Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder tips off just after 8:30 PM Eastern. The game airs live on ABC and streams on both the ABC and ESPN apps and websites.