The stage is set for a momentous NBA Finals showdown as the Indiana Pacers travel to Oklahoma to face the high-flying Thunder in Game 1 of the 2025 Finals. Neither franchise has lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy, but both have carved an inspired path to this moment.
Oklahoma City has looked unstoppable all season, coasting to a 68-14 record and asserting dominance across the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Pacers, who appeared out of playoff contention midway through the season, have emerged as one of the league’s most resilient stories. From a mid-season resurgence to a series of emphatic playoff upsets, Indiana has defied expectations at every turn.
Both teams are deeply intertwined through the legacy of Paul George, whose trades helped shape the modern iterations of both franchises. Now, those pathways converge in what promises to be a Finals series for the ages.
Let’s break down Game 1.
Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder
Match Info
- NBA Finals – Game 1
- Thursday 05 June 2025 – 20:30 EST / 01:30 BST (06 June)
- Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, USA
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers arrive in Oklahoma City brimming with confidence after a playoff run few saw coming. Spearheaded by the electric Tyrese Haliburton and the postseason leadership of Pascal Siakam, Indiana’s surge through the Eastern Conference has been as unlikely as it has been impressive. They swept aside the Bucks and Cavaliers with relative ease and outlasted the Knicks in a six-game thriller. Offensively, they’ve been relentless — boasting the third-best offensive rating in the playoffs — and have found a balanced rhythm between transition play and half-court execution. This will be Indiana’s first NBA Finals appearance since the Reggie Miller era, and with youthful exuberance matched by playoff grit, they’ll believe their moment is now.
Oklahoma City Thunder
On the other side, Oklahoma City have resembled a juggernaut all year. Dominant in the regular season and just as ruthless in the playoffs, the Thunder are riding the wave of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP season. With the league’s best playoff defensive rating and a roster built on cohesion, athleticism and hunger, the Thunder look primed to take the final step. Their depth is as impressive as their star power: Jalen Williams has emerged as a pivotal performer, and Chet Holmgren continues to grow in stature with each game. With the energy of a home crowd behind them and the pain of missed opportunities in recent seasons driving them, the Thunder will be eyeing a commanding start.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Oklahoma City Thunder to win
Playing on their home court, backed by a vociferous crowd, and with the NBA’s most efficient defence, the Thunder have the edge. While Indiana’s story is inspiring, Oklahoma City’s blend of star power and defensive structure is likely to be too much in Game 1.
America Bet Score Prediction
Indiana Pacers 108 – 121 Oklahoma City Thunder
Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring opener, but Oklahoma City’s efficiency on both ends of the floor should see them pull away in the second half. The Thunder have multiple scoring threats and the playoff poise to set the tone early in the series.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Oklahoma City Thunder to win
- Oklahoma City Thunder -7.5 (Point Spread)
- Total Points Over 226.5
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 30.5 Points
- Tyrese Haliburton Over 8.5 Assists
- First Quarter Winner – Oklahoma City Thunder
- Jalen Williams Over 18.5 Points
- Double Result – Thunder HT / Thunder FT
- Pascal Siakam Over 19.5 Points
- Exact Scoreline: Thunder by 11-15 points
