NBA Finals 2025 Preview: Thunder and Pacers Set for Championship Series
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers are set to face off in the 2025 NBA Finals, a matchup that promises to be an exciting and closely contested series. According to ESPN, the two teams have been on a collision course for some time, with their paths crossing on several occasions throughout the season.
The Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, have been one of the dominant teams in the league this season, with a remarkable 68-win regular season record. As ESPN notes, they have a deep roster, built around a 26-year-old MVP in Gilgeous-Alexander, a 24-year-old All-NBA selection in Jalen Williams, and a 23-year-old potential future Defensive Player of the Year in Chet Holmgren. The team’s general manager, Sam Presti, has accumulated 13 first-round picks over the next seven drafts, giving them a strong foundation for future success.
The Pacers, on the other hand, have been a surprise package in the playoffs, overcoming early-season injuries and malaise to make a deep run in the Eastern Conference. As ESPN reports, they have a high-powered offense, led by Tyrese Haliburton, who has had a star-making playoff run, averaging 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in the postseason.
The two teams have met twice during the regular season, with the Thunder winning both games. According to ESPN, the Thunder’s defense will be a key challenge for the Pacers to overcome, with their ability to control the turnover differential being a crucial factor in the series.
Road to the Finals
The Thunder had a remarkable run through the Western Conference playoffs, sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round and then overcoming a 2-1 deficit against the Denver Nuggets in the second round. As ESPN notes, they then dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the Western Conference finals, capped by a 30-point victory in the final game.
The Pacers, meanwhile, have had a thrilling run through the Eastern Conference playoffs, overcoming several close games and series against the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks. According to ESPN, they have shown a remarkable ability to come from behind and win games, including three improbable comebacks in the playoffs.
Matchup to Watch
One of the key matchups to watch in the series will be between Thunder guard Luguentz Dort and Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. As ESPN reports, Haliburton has struggled against Dort in the past, averaging just 12 points per game against him over the past two seasons.
How the Thunder Can Win It All
The Thunder will win the series if they can continue to control the turnover differential, which has been a key factor in their success throughout the playoffs. According to ESPN, they have been forcing far more turnovers than any other team, while averaging fewer on offense than any team that advanced past the first round.
How the Pacers Can Win It All
The Pacers, meanwhile, will need to take care of the ball, win the 3-point battle, and win close games. As ESPN notes, they have shown an ability to come from behind and win games, and if they can replicate that in the Finals, they may have a chance to upset the Thunder.
The 2025 NBA Finals will tip off on Thursday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, with the Thunder and Pacers set to face off in a best-of-seven series. According to ESPN, it promises to be an exciting and closely contested series, with both teams having a strong chance of winning the championship.
