Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Picks and Predictions June 16th 2025

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The NBA Finals are heating up as the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for Game 5 at the Paycom Center. Both teams are tied 2-2 in this best-of-seven series, making this matchup crucial. The Pacers, led by head coach Rick Carlisle, will look to regain momentum after their recent 111-104 loss to the Thunder in Game 4. This game is set for Monday, June 16, 2025, at 8:30 PM and will be broadcast on ABC.

The Thunder, coached by Mark Daigneault, are returning home with confidence after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s standout performance in Game 4. He scored 35 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, helping the Thunder overcome a 10-point deficit. The Thunder’s home record of 36-6 this season adds an extra edge as they aim to take a lead in the series. With both teams evenly matched, Game 5 promises to be a pivotal moment in their quest for the championship.

Pacers vs Thunder Key Information

  • Sport: NBA
  • Teams: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Venue: Paycom Center
  • Date: Monday, June 16, 2025
  • Betting Odds: Thunder favored, Pacers +317 MoneyLine

The Pacers Can Win If…

The Indiana Pacers are heading into Game 5 of the NBA Finals with confidence, despite their recent 111-104 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In their last game, Pascal Siakam led the team with 20 points, while Tyrese Haliburton added 18 points and 7 assists. The Pacers showed their competitive edge by maintaining a lead for most of the game, indicating their ability to challenge the Thunder.

Offensively, the Pacers have been strong throughout the postseason, ranking third in points per game with 115.8 and leading in field goal percentage at 49.2%. Their effective field goal percentage is also the best in the league at 57.0%. These stats highlight their efficient scoring ability, which can be crucial in overcoming the Thunder’s defense in the upcoming game.

The Pacers have been solid against the spread, with a 12-7-0 record in the 2025 postseason. On the road, they are 6-3-0, showing their resilience away from home. With Game 5 taking place in Oklahoma City, the Pacers will need to rely on their proven road performance and strong offensive stats to take the lead in the series.

The Thunder Can Win If…

The Oklahoma City Thunder recently secured a 111-104 win against the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 35 points, including 15 crucial points in the fourth quarter. Jalen Williams also contributed with 27 points, helping the Thunder even the series at 2-2.

The Thunder’s strong postseason stats show why they can win. They average 116.2 points per game, ranking second in scoring. Defensively, they allow only 106.9 points per game, which ranks sixth, showcasing their ability to limit opponents’ scoring.

Oklahoma City’s home court advantage is significant, with a 36-6 record this season. They have covered the spread in 8 of 10 home games this postseason. With Game 5 at the Paycom Center, the Thunder aim to capitalize on this trend and take control of the series.

The Lean

For the point spread, take the Thunder at -9.5. The Thunder are strong with 116.2 points per game, while the Pacers allow 113.2 points per game. The model projects the Thunder to win 118-108, covering the spread.

For the over/under, go with the over at 224. The Thunder and Pacers both score over 115 points per game. The model predicts a total score of 226, which is above the line.

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Veteran Experience is Key as Thunder, Pacers Clash in Game 5

With the NBA Finals now a best-of-three series, the pressure is at an all-time high. As two of the best NBA teams battle for the title, the spotlight is shifting to the veteran leaders who have been there before as the series shifts back to Oklahoma City for a pivotal Game 5 on Monday night.

Caruso: The Thunder’s Ultimate “Gamer”

Moments like this are exactly why the Thunder acquired veteran guard Alex Caruso. While not a starter, Caruso has been one of OKC’s most important players in the Finals, consistently making game-changing plays on both ends of the floor in critical moments. His scoring has also seen a surprising uptick, with two 20-point games in this series.

“He’s a gamer,” Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said of Caruso. “He has instincts that are special. I don’t think you can teach things like that… He just has an amazing feel for the game and is an insane competitor.”

“I want to win,” Caruso said simply. “I don’t care if it’s (a) pickup (game) in September… If it’s the Finals and you’re down 2-1, I want to win.”

A basketball player in a blue Oklahoma City Thunder jersey celebrates on the court during a game, with fans blurred in the background.

Siakam: The Pacers’ Steady Hand

The Pacers have their own champion providing guidance in forward Pascal Siakam. As a key member of the Raptors’ 2019 title team, Siakam says his role is different now, but his experience is just as valuable in calming a young Pacers team.

“We had so many veterans on our team that had been through way more than I could ever imagine,” Siakam said of his time in Toronto. “I think this time around… I have way more to say and I can impact not only by saying things but also on the floor.”

The Mental Game

The psychological aspect of this series is huge, a topic explored deeply in our NBA expert betting guide. The Thunder are riding high after a comeback win in Game 4, while the Pacers are focused on moving past the disappointment of letting a win slip away. The winner of Monday’s game will be just one win away from hoisting the trophy, a development that will drastically shift the NBA championship odds.

“The biggest thing is you can’t let one spiral into two,” said Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton. “You have to be ready to go for Game 5 here, again in a hostile environment.”

You can track the lines for this crucial game on our NBA scores and odds page. To see who the pros are backing to take the 3-2 series lead, head over to our daily NBA picks.

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Oklahoma City Thunder
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Indiana Pacers
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