Predicting the NBA Finals

It is time for the NBA Finals featuring an exciting matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. Both these teams are young - Both these teams are fast - Both these teams are red hot in the playoffs. But which team will carry the momentum from the conference finals into the championship series?

OKC Thunder:

• Regular Season Record: 68–14

• Key Players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams

• Team Strengths:

• Best defensive rating in the league

• Third-highest offensive rating

• Record-setting 51 double-digit wins in a season

• Playoff Path: Defeated Memphis Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves to reach the Finals 

• Head Coach: Mark Daigneault

Indiana Pacers:

• Regular Season Record: 50–32

• Key Players: Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner

• Team Strengths:

  • League's top offense by pace and points per game

  • Strong performances from role players like Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard

• Playoff Path: Defeated Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks to reach the Finals 

• Head Coach: Rick Carlisle

The OKC Thunder won both regular season games against the Pacers - the last time not being close. The Pacers however, are a different team then they were in March. OKC's ability to balance the game on both sides of the ball and let the offense come naturally will prove tough for a Pacers team that could let games slip away even if they are up.

Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Indiana Pacers 4-1 in the NBA Finals

2025 NBA Finals Schedule & Where to Watch

• Game 1:

  • 📅 Thursday, June 5

  • 🕣 8:30 PM

  • 📍 Paycom Center, Oklahoma City

  • 📺 ABC

• Game 2:

  • 📅 Sunday, June 8

  • 🕗 8:00 PM

  • 📍 Paycom Center, Oklahoma City

  • 📺 ABC

• Game 3:

  • 📅 Wednesday, June 11

  • 🕣 8:30 PM

  • 📍 Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

  • 📺 ABC

• Game 4:

  • 📅 Friday, June 13

  • 🕣 8:30 PM

  • 📍 Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

  • 📺 ABC

• Game 5 (if necessary):

  • 📅 Monday, June 16

  • 🕣 8:30 PM

  • 📍 Paycom Center, Oklahoma City

  • 📺 ABC

• Game 6 (if necessary):

  • 📅 Thursday, June 19

  • 🕣 8:30 PM

  • 📍 Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis

  • 📺 ABC

• Game 7 (if necessary):

  • 📅 Sunday, June 22

  • 🕗 8:00 PM

  • 📍 Paycom Center, Oklahoma City

  • 📺 ABC