The 2025 NBA Finals begin Thursday, June 5, with Game 1 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. The game is at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, with tip-off set for 8:30 p.m. ET. OKC finished the regular season with the best record in the league at 68-14.
Indiana enters as the underdog after upsetting three straight teams in the East. They beat Milwaukee, Cleveland, and New York to reach their first NBA Finals since 2000. Oklahoma City is in their first Finals since 2012 and are looking for their first NBA title since the franchise moved from Seattle. For betting tips and to become a bookie, visit WagerHome.
Thunder Preview – Home Court and MVP Lead the Way
The Thunder are led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He averaged 31.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game in the West Finals. He had a 40-point game and has scored over 30 in most playoff games this year.
Jalen Williams adds scoring and playmaking. He’s averaging 20.4 points and 5.3 assists in the playoffs. Rookie Chet Holmgren is protecting the rim and helping space the floor. The team also gets key defense from Lu Dort and Alex Caruso.
Oklahoma City has a 9-1 home record in the playoffs. They lead all teams in defensive rating and opponent turnovers. They won both regular-season games vs Indiana. With strong guard play, rim protection, and depth, they have been solid all year.
The Thunder also benefit from continuity and health. Their core lineup has played every game this postseason. OKC’s ability to switch on defense and stay in front of guards has helped them contain top scorers like Anthony Edwards and Jamal Murray. Their defense often leads to fast breaks, where Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams finish well in transition. The team has also been good at closing games, outscoring opponents in fourth quarters throughout the playoffs. This discipline will be key in the Finals.
Pacers Preview – Can the Offense Keep Up the Pace?
The Pacers have been great on offense this postseason. They rank No. 1 in effective field goal percentage and No. 2 in points per game. Tyrese Haliburton runs the offense and is averaging 18.8 points and 9.8 assists per game in the playoffs.
Pascal Siakam was the MVP of the Eastern Finals. He’s scored over 30 points twice in that series and helps on both ends. Myles Turner adds scoring from deep and defense inside. The Pacers also share the ball well, leading the playoffs in assists.
Indiana has been strong on the road with a 6-2 postseason record away from home. They beat Cleveland and New York in tough road games. Injuries are a concern though, with Aaron Nesmith and Jarace Walker both dealing with issues ahead of Game 1.
The Pacers rely on pace and spacing to get open looks. Their offense is built on ball movement and shooting from the corners. Turner’s ability to draw defenders out of the paint will be important against Holmgren. Indiana will need to limit turnovers and crash the boards. If they can get Haliburton going early and keep Siakam active, they have a shot at staying in the game. Indiana will also need solid play from their bench, including Obi Toppin and Andrew Nembhard, to match OKC’s depth.
PPH Betting Prediction
Oklahoma City is a 9.5-point favorite for Game 1. The total is set at 231 points. The Thunder have the stronger defense and home crowd advantage. They’ve covered the spread in 34 of 50 games as a home favorite this season.
Indiana’s offense has been strong, but OKC’s defense may limit their fast tempo. Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to lead the way, while OKC’s defenders will try to slow Haliburton. Prediction is Thunder 120, Pacers 108. Want to run your own sportsbook? Check out WagerHome.com to learn how to become a PPH bookie.
Pick: Thunder -9.5
