Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers on Thursday night is a massive matchup for both teams.
Oklahoma City enters Thursday’s game looking to clinch the series and cap off their dominant season with a championship with a victory on the road after they were able to take a 3-2 series lead with their win in Game 5.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Jun 16, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) brings the ball up court past Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) during the second quarter in game five of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
On the other side, the Pacers are looking to use home court to their advantage to keep their season alive and extend the series to seven games.
Ahead of Game 6 on Thursday night, the NBA made a major announcement regarding the officials for the game.
The NBA announced that the officials for Game 6 will be Zach Zarba, Tony Brothers and David Guthrie.
After the announcement, Pacers fans went to social media to voice their frustrations as they wanted Scott Foster to be one of the officials for Thursday’s game.
“Well, it was a good run boys. Maybe next year,” one fan commented.
“Was hoping for the extender,” another fan commented about Foster.
“Dang, wish we had the extender,” another fan posted.
“Give me Scott Foster. That’s not fair. I want the extender,” one fan said.
“Where’s the Extender now,” another fan asked.
It is clear that Pacers fans wanted Foster to be an official for Thursday’s game due to his history in must-win playoff games as many people have given him the nickname “The Extender.”
NBA referee Scott Foster.
NBA referee Scott Foster.
© Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Despite this, Pacers fans do not get their wish as Foster will not be officiating Thursday’s win-or-go home game for the home team.
Indiana also has another key problem for Game 6 as their star guard Tyrese Haliburton is dealing with a strained right calf that he suffered in Game 5 on Monday.
Haliburton is currently listed as questionable for Thursday night but ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that he is expected to play with the Pacers’ season on the line.
Either way, the Pacers will have a tough matchup on Thursday night as the Thunder try to win their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City with a victory.