Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Picks and Predictions June 5th 2025

Thunder vs. Pacers: The 2025 NBA Finals Promise a New Champion

This year’s NBA Finals aren’t about dynasties or repeat champions. They’re about legacy-defining moments for two franchises that have never tasted glory. When the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers tip off in Game 1 on Thursday, it will mark the start of a historic run — because no matter who wins, the league will have a brand-new champion in 2025.

For Oklahoma City, it’s their first Finals appearance since 2012. Back then, a young core led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook fell short. Thirteen years later, it’s a different story — new stars, new coach, new identity. Meanwhile, the Pacers haven’t reached the Finals since 2000, when Reggie Miller’s squad took a swing at the Shaq-and-Kobe Lakers. This time around, they’re led by one of the league’s smartest young point guards and a veteran core built to surprise.

Thunder forward Jalen Williams captured the sentiment of this moment: “I haven’t really wrapped my head around the fact that I’m in the Finals… It’s definitely a blessing. But we still have a job to do.”

The Paul George Effect: Trades That Changed Two Franchises

Oddly enough, the storylines in this Finals are connected by a name not on either roster — Paul George. Back in 2017, Indiana traded George to the Thunder in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. While Oladipo shined early, Sabonis grew into a double-double machine — one the Pacers eventually flipped for Tyrese Haliburton, now their franchise point guard and one of the best in the East.

Meanwhile, George’s time in OKC ended when he requested a trade to the Clippers in 2019. That blockbuster deal returned a young Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, now the league’s scoring leader and 2025 MVP, along with a critical draft pick — used to select none other than Jalen Williams. In an ironic twist of fate, both franchises shaped their Finals rosters using assets from George’s deals.

Dive deeper into individual accolades like MVP and Most Improved Player on our NBA MVP predictions page and Most Improved Player page.

Oklahoma City’s Rise: Defense, Dominance, and Depth

The Thunder didn’t just get here — they earned every second of it. OKC went a jaw-dropping 68-14 during the regular season and stormed through the Western Conference playoffs with poise. Their calling card? Relentless, top-tier defense. Their 104.7 defensive rating in the postseason ranks No. 1 among all teams.

Gilgeous-Alexander has been electric, averaging 31.6 points in 12 playoff wins. But it’s more than just stats — it’s his mindset. “He just has that ‘I’m-gonna-get-it-done’ mentality,” said Williams. “It’s rubbed off on the rest of the team.”

From perimeter defenders to versatile bigs, Oklahoma City has built a roster that communicates, closes out, and competes for every loose ball. Their balance has made them arguably the most complete team in the league this year.

Want to see how OKC’s defense stacks up league-wide? Check out NBA Defensive Player of the Year predictions.

Indiana’s Unlikely Journey: From Underdogs to Eastern Kings

While the Thunder’s path was almost mathematical, the Pacers took a scenic route. In early January, Indiana was still under .500 and struggling to find consistency. But they clicked at just the right time, finishing strong to earn the No. 4 seed in the East. From there, they stunned everyone — beating the Bucks in five games, the top-seeded Cavaliers in five, and the Knicks in six.

Veteran forward Pascal Siakam, who’s been vital since arriving midseason, reflected on the team’s turnaround: “We started rocky but we just stayed steady… and we just kept getting better.”

Their offense has been on point all playoffs. With a 117.7 offensive rating, they trail only Cleveland and lead even Oklahoma City. That offensive rhythm, combined with Haliburton’s control of pace and clutch shot-making, gives Indiana a real shot at the title — even if they’ve flown under the radar.

Explore how the East shaped up with NBA Central Division odds and predictions from earlier in the year.

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Key Matchups and What to Watch in Game 1

It’s not just two teams colliding — it’s two philosophies. Defense-first Thunder vs. offense-powered Pacers. And while OKC swept both regular-season meetings, including a 132-111 home win in March, playoff basketball is a different animal.

Expect the SGA vs. Haliburton matchup to steal the spotlight. Both guards are cerebral, slippery, and capable of taking over. Then there’s the battle of the bigs: can OKC’s length inside contain Siakam’s midrange dominance and Indiana’s relentless rebounding?

“There’s no shortcuts to beating this team,” Haliburton said of the Thunder. He’s right — and if Indiana wants to steal Game 1, they’ll need their best ball movement, their best shooting, and the composure they’ve shown all playoffs.

Need insights on who thrives in clutch moments? Read more on the NBA Clutch Player predictions.

A Turbulent Start — Literally — for the Pacers

Getting to Oklahoma City wasn’t smooth sailing for Indiana. Their team plane was diverted to Tulsa due to storms in the OKC area. It eventually landed late Tuesday night, just in time for final preparations. While minor, it’s the kind of disruption that adds another layer of adversity to an already uphill climb.

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