Indiana Pacers v Oklahoma City Thunder
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NBA Finals Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1: Preview, Betting Odds, and Prediction
The stage is set as the Indiana Pacers face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals.
Scheduled for Thursday, June 5, at 8:30 PM ET at Paycom Center, this marks the Pacers’ first Finals appearance since 2000, while the Thunder return to the championship series for the first time since 2012.
Both teams have taken radically different paths to reach this point, setting the stage for an exciting clash.
The Indiana Pacers, entering the playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, have had a historic postseason run.
They overcame the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks on their way to the Finals.
Led by Pascal Siakam, who earned Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors, and Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers have displayed resilience and efficient offense throughout the playoffs.
On the other hand, the Thunder have been dominant, finishing the regular season with a league-best 68-14 record.
Oklahoma City breezed through the postseason, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies (4-0), Denver Nuggets (4-3), and Minnesota Timberwolves (4-1). The Thunder are powered by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has averaged nearly 30 points per game in the playoffs.
Key Players to Watch
For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton will need to orchestrate the offense against one of the league’s most stifling defenses.
Haliburton has excelled in Game 1s this postseason, scoring over 20 points in his last two series openers.
Pascal Siakam’s consistent scoring and Myles Turner’s interior defense will also be crucial for Indiana.
The Thunder will lean heavily on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who dominates the mid-range and can stretch defenses.
Rookie sensation Chet Holmgren will play a pivotal role, combining rim protection and offensive versatility.
The Thunder’s depth, featuring Jalen Williams and Lu Dort, could also give them an edge in critical moments.
Betting Odds
The Thunder enter Game 1 as 9.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 230.5 total points.
Oklahoma City has been solid at home throughout the postseason, bolstered by its high-energy crowd and fast-paced play.
The Pacers, however, have proven to be a formidable underdog, winning pivotal road games in earlier rounds.
Moneyline odds list Oklahoma City at -400 and Indiana at +310, making the Thunder heavy favorites.
For prop bets, Tyrese Haliburton’s points total of 17.5 and Chet Holmgren’s combined points, assists, and rebounds at 27.5 are intriguing options.
Prediction
Game 1 is likely to be a battle of styles.
The Thunder will rely on their elite defense and fast-paced transition game, while the Pacers aim to exploit their efficient three-point shooting and disciplined ball control.
Oklahoma City’s home-court advantage, combined with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring prowess, gives them a slight edge in this opener.
Prediction: Thunder 117, Pacers 110.
This matchup promises to set the tone for an exciting series between two teams with different philosophies and incredible talent.
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