The NBA Playoffs are coming to a close, as we’re left with one series, though it’s the most important of them all. The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, which tips off Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
How to watch: Fans can watch the game for free via a trial ofDirecTV. The game can also be streamed on Sling (half off first month).
Here’s what you need to know:
What: NBA Finals
Who:Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
When: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
TV: ABC
Channel Finder:DirecTV, Verizon Fios, Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, Optimum
Live stream: DirecTV (free trial), fuboTV (free trial), Sling (half off first month), Hulu + Live TV
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2025 NBA Finals TV Schedule
All times in ET. ** Signifies that the game will only be played if necessary.
Game 1: Thursday, June 5 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC (STREAM)
Game 2: Sunday, June 8 | 8 p.m. | ABC (STREAM)
Game 3: Wednesday, June 11 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC (STREAM)
Game 4: Friday, June 13 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC (STREAM)
**Game 5: Monday, June 16 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC (STREAM)
**Game 6: Thursday, June 19 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC (STREAM)
**Game 7: Sunday, June 22 | 8 p.m. | ABC (STREAM)
Here’s a recent NBA story from the Associated Press:
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Scott Foster was selected to officiate the NBA Finals for the 18th time, the league said Tuesday when announcing the roster of 12 officials and two alternates that were picked to work the title series between Indiana and Oklahoma City.
Foster is the most veteran of the group. Tony Brothers and Marc Davis were both picked for the 14th time, James Capers for the 13th time, Zach Zarba for the 12th time and John Goble for the ninth time in his career.
David Guthrie is now an eight-time selection for the finals, while Josh Tiven was picked for the sixth time, James Williams for a fifth time and Sean Wright for a second time.
There are two first-time selections this season: Tyler Ford and Ben Taylor. They were alternates in each of the last two seasons.
“We are grateful for these 12 individuals and their dedication to serving the game at the highest levels throughout the season,” said Byron Spruell, the NBA President for League Operations. “Being selected to work the NBA Finals is the top honor as an NBA official, and I congratulate this exceptional group on a worthy achievement.”
Courtney Kirkland and Kevin Scott were picked as alternates. Foster has officiated the most NBA Finals games among this year’s referees with 25, while Davis has worked 21 and Brothers has worked 17.
If previous form holds, each of the 12 will work one of the first four games in the series as part of a standard three-person crew. If the series goes past Game 4, the NBA will continue assigning as needed from the same pool for the remainder of the matchup.
NBA Finals officials were selected based on their overall performance throughout the first three rounds of the playoffs. Officials were evaluated by the NBA Referee Operations management team after each round to determine advancement in this year’s postseason, the league said.
The crews for each game are typically announced around 9 a.m. Eastern on game days.
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