2025 NBA Finals - Game Two
Source: Matthew Stockman / Getty
Pacers vs Thunder Game 3 NBA Finals: Preview, Betting Odds, & Prediction
The 2025 NBA Finals are heating up as the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
With the series tied 1-1, the Pacers look to capitalize on home-court advantage and take a pivotal lead, while the Thunder aim to spoil Indy’s first Finals home game in 25 years.
Key Storylines
The Battle of Dynamic Playmakers – This series has showcased a head-to-head clash of All-Star guards. For the Thunder, league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been unstoppable, averaging 36 points per game in the Finals while providing elite playmaking and defensive intensity. On the other side, Tyrese Haliburton is the engine powering the Pacers, although he struggled in Game 2, managing just five points through three quarters before sparking a late scoring effort. Game 3 offers Haliburton the perfect opportunity to bounce back and showcase his leadership in front of a raucous Indianapolis crowd.
Defensive Adjustments – The Thunder’s aggressive defense suffocated Indiana’s offensive rhythm in Game 2, forcing 15 turnovers and locking down the paint. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City’s offense had five players score in double figures, led by SGA’s brilliance and key contributions from reserves like Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins. Indiana must adjust by moving the ball faster, attacking the rim, and making use of Pascal Siakam’s versatility to break the Thunder’s defensive schemes.
Home-Court Energy – This is the first time since 2000 that Indianapolis is hosting an NBA Finals game, elevating the stakes. Gainbridge Fieldhouse is set to be loud and electric, with fans rallying behind a gritty Pacers roster yearning to bring the championship trophy home. Indiana has been exceptional at bouncing back after losses this season. They are 4-0 in the playoffs following a defeat, providing hope that Game 3 could swing their way.
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers excel when Haliburton orchestrates, Myles Turner protects the paint, and role players like Aaron Nesmith hit key shots.
Turner has been a consistent scoring threat in the Finals, leveraging his three-point accuracy to exploit gaps in OKC’s defense.
Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC thrives on its depth and defensive intensity.
Beyond SGA, Jalen Williams’ two-way presence, Lu Dort’s perimeter defense, and Chet Holmgren’s interior length have given opponents nightmares.
Coach Mark Daigneault’s ability to deploy flexible defensive coverages and make quick in-game adjustments could prove decisive again in this critical matchup.
Betting Odds
The Thunder enter as 5.5-point favorites on the road, despite being 0-7 against the spread in away playoff games this postseason.
The total for the game is set at 227.5 points.
With OKC’s previous postseason road woes and the Pacers’ resilience at home, this sets up a fascinating betting scenario.
Player Prop Highlights
Myles Turner over 13.5 points (-125): Turner’s increased usage in previous matchups against OKC and his three-point capabilities make this an appealing wager.
Tyrese Haliburton first-quarter points over 4.5 (+124): Expect the Pacers’ guard to attack early and set the tone in response to Game 2’s criticism.
Prediction
Game 3 is pivotal as the series finds the balance between momentum and adjustments.
The Thunder, led by SGA’s star power, have the tools to silence the home crowd, but Indiana’s unrivaled energy and history of resilience after losses could tip the scales.
If Haliburton asserts himself early and the Pacers can minimize turnovers, they have a strong chance to edge out a hard-fought win.
Prediction: Pacers 113, Thunder 110.
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