Indiana Pacers v Oklahoma City Thunder
Source: William Purnell / Getty
2025 NBA Finals Pacers vs. Thunder Preview, Storylines, Betting Trends, & Predictions
The 2025 NBA Finals are set, featuring a thrilling showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.
This best-of-seven series not only guarantees an inaugural title for one of these franchises but also promises to draw in fans with contrasting styles of play, dynamic stars, and unexpected storylines.
For fans in Indianapolis, 93.5 & 107.5 The Fan will deliver exclusive local radio coverage of every play, further fueling excitement across the city.
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Key Storylines
The Clash of Styles
This series pits the Thunder’s elite defense against the Pacers’ high-octane offense.
The Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, boast the league’s top defensive unit, with standouts like Lu Dort and Jalen Williams anchoring their unwavering intensity.
Oklahoma City has thrived by turning turnovers into scoring opportunities, topping the league in opponent turnover rate.
On the other hand, the Pacers have been electric offensively, driven by Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking and Pascal Siakam’s scoring versatility.
Haliburton’s court vision has been pivotal, guiding Indiana to the best transition efficiency in the playoffs.
Siakam, the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, has consistently delivered in clutch moments, showcasing the experience that comes with being an NBA champion.
Key Matchup to Watch
The battle in the paint could tilt the series.
Oklahoma City’s towering presence, featuring Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, has been a rebounding force all postseason.
Meanwhile, the Pacers, led by Siakam and Myles Turner, face a significant challenge to secure second-chance opportunities and neutralize OKC’s interior dominance.
Betting Trends and Predictions
Heading into the Finals, Oklahoma City is heavily favored, with a -700 moneyline, reflecting their dominant playoff run that saw them dispatch the Timberwolves in five games while maintaining an unprecedented record point differential.
The Pacers, listed as +500 underdogs, aim to defy the odds once again after beating the Knicks 4-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Pundits largely back the Thunder to win in five or six games.
Their depth has proven daunting for opponents, with key reserves like Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso maintaining energy while the stars rest.
However, the Pacers’ ability to push the pace and their transition excellence leave room for unpredictability.
If Haliburton and Siakam can exploit the Thunder’s defense in quick spurts, Indiana could push this series farther than expected.
Predictions
While OKC’s defensive might and home-court advantage position them well, Indiana’s resilience and fast-paced offense ensure this will be a tightly contested matchup.
Most predictions favor the Thunder in six games, with Gilgeous-Alexander expected to add a championship to his stellar MVP season.
However, never count out Haliburton and Siakam, who have thrived despite being underdogs this postseason.
Tune in Locally
Fans in Indianapolis can catch every moment of this monumental series on 93.5 & 107.5 The Fan, the official radio broadcast partner of the Indiana Pacers.
With stakes this high, the Finals promise to leave an indelible mark in NBA history, whether it’s the Thunder raising their first banner or the Pacers completing their fairytale run.
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