Pacers vs. Thunder Is This the NBA Finals Nobody Saw Coming?

Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: A 2025 NBA Finals Preview

The stage is set! In just a few weeks, the NBA will crown a new champion, marking the seventh consecutive year with a different team hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy. While both the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder organizations have tasted championship glory in the past (Pacers in the ABA, Thunder as the Seattle SuperSonics), neither franchise has secured an NBA title. This 2025 NBA Finals represents a shift, a passing of the torch to a new generation of stars ready to etch their names in basketball history. It's a shame neither team were showcased on Christmas Day, isn't it?

Here's a comprehensive look at what you need to know about this exciting matchup:

When and Where Does the Action Begin?

Mark your calendars! Game 1 tips off in Oklahoma City on Thursday, June 5th, at 8:30 PM ET. The series follows a traditional 2-2-1-1-1 format. Interestingly, the relatively short distance between Indianapolis and Oklahoma City makes travel less of a burden for both teams.

According to NBA Stat, the Pacers & Thunder have their home arenas 688.4 air miles apart. That is the shortest distance between the two teams' arenas in the NBA Finals since 1971 between the Milwaukee Bucks & Baltimore Bullets (641.6).

2025 NBA Finals Schedule: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

• Game 1: Pacers at Thunder; Thu. June 5, 8:30 PM ET, ABC
• Game 2: Pacers at Thunder; Sun. June 8, 8:00 PM ET, ABC
• Game 3: Thunder at Pacers; Wed. June 11, 8:30 PM ET, ABC
• Game 4: Thunder at Pacers; Fri. June 13, 8:30 PM ET, ABC
• Game 5: Pacers at Thunder; Mon. June 16, 8:30 PM ET, ABC*
• Game 6: Thunder at Pacers; Thu. June 19, 8:30 PM ET, ABC*
• Game 7: Pacers at Thunder; Sun, June 22, 8:00 PM ET, ABC*

* = if necessary

Key Players to Watch

Myles Turner (Pacers):

As Raphielle Johnson, Rotoworld basketball analyst, notes, "Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam will be the headliners for Indiana in this series, but they’ll need Turner to be at his best to win this series." Turner's productivity against the Thunder will be crucial for the Pacers' success. His performance in the regular season against OKC was underwhelming, and he'll need to elevate his rebounding and scoring presence.

Andrew Nembhard (Pacers):

According to Noah Rubin, Rotoworld basketball analyst, "As of now, a lot of responsibility will rest on his shoulders to give the Pacers an opportunity to pull an upset." Nembhard's defensive assignment against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be paramount. While SGA had success against Nembhard in the regular season, the Pacers need Nembhard to disrupt and slow down the MVP candidate.

Critical Factors Shaping the Series

Turnovers and Transition Game:

The Pacers thrive on a fast-paced, chaotic style of play, aiming to force turnovers and generate easy transition buckets. However, the Thunder are equally adept in such environments. As Kurt Helin, NBC Sports lead NBA writer, points out, "Oklahoma City thrives in chaos." The Thunder's transition defense is among the league's best, making it imperative for the Pacers to protect the ball and limit easy scoring opportunities for OKC.

• The Thunder have started 15.6% of their playoff possessions in transition compared to 13.8% for Indiana.
• OKC's defense is a turnover forcing machine that scores 1.42 points per transition possession.

The Midrange Game's Resurgence:

In an era dominated by three-pointers, both the Thunder and Pacers exhibit comfort and proficiency in the midrange. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the playoffs in midrange attempts, shooting an impressive 47.9%. Indiana, as a team, is hitting 48.7% of their midrange shots. This series might feel like a throwback, with both teams willing to exploit the midrange if defenses concede it.

Haliburton vs. The Thunder's Defense:

The Thunder's suffocating defense has consistently disrupted opposing point guards throughout the playoffs. Now, Tyrese Haliburton faces arguably his toughest test yet. Oklahoma City is likely to employ a variety of defenders, including Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, and Alex Caruso, to pressure Haliburton and disrupt the Pacers' offensive flow. Haliburton's ability to overcome this defensive onslaught will be a key factor in Indiana's chances.

Expert Predictions:

• Jay Croucher (NBC Sports Lead Betting Analyst): Thunder in 6
• Drew Dinsick (NBC Sports Betting Analyst): Thunder in 5
• Vaughn Dalzell (NBC Sports Betting Analyst): Thunder in 5
• Brad Thomas (NBC Sports Betting Analyst): Thunder in 6
• Kurt Helin (NBC Sports lead NBA writer): Thunder in 5

Final Thoughts

The 2025 NBA Finals promises to be a captivating series, showcasing the league's rising stars and contrasting styles of play. While the Oklahoma City Thunder enter as favorites, the Indiana Pacers possess the talent and coaching to make this a hard-fought battle. Expect a thrilling contest filled with exciting moments and unforgettable performances. Whether it's the Thunder's relentless defense or the Pacers' high-octane offense that prevails, one thing is certain: a new chapter in NBA history is about to be written.

Tags: NBA Finals, Pacers, Thunder, 2025 NBA, Basketball, NBA Playoffs, New Generation, June 5, NBA Champion, Pacers vs Thunder

Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/indiana-pacers-vs-oklahoma-city-thunder-preview-2025-nba-finals-prediction-schedule-who-to-watch