The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers will face off for the opportunity to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time in franchise history. While both teams have made an NBA Finals appearance before, they fell short of the ultimate goal. In 2025, each franchise has a chance to redeem itself: the Pacers for their 2000 Finals loss to the Lakers and the Thunder for their 2012 defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat.
For die-hard NBA fans, this is the Finals series to watch. Despite lacking major-market appeal, the matchup is rich in young star power, high-tempo basketball, and elite coaching. Most notably, this Finals will showcase Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the 2024-25 league MVP, and Tyrese Haliburton, a rising star and one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league.
But it’s not just SGA and Haliburton carrying the load. Both teams are backed by deep, versatile supporting casts that have proven critical in their playoff runs. And with two innovative head coaches on the sidelines, every game promises to be a strategic chess match. Only one team will emerge as the 2025 NBA champion. Here is our Thunder vs. Pacers NBA Finals preview, scouting report, and prediction.
Pacers Scouting Report
Indiana entered the postseason as the No. 4 seed in the East, two spots higher than last season when they finished sixth. Their road to the Finals has been impressive. First, they eliminated the injury-depleted Milwaukee Bucks in five games. Then they stunned the 60-win Cleveland Cavaliers, also in five, exposing Cleveland’s lack of depth and playoff experience. Most recently, they outlasted the New York Knicks in six games to capture their first Eastern Conference title since 2000.
A major reason for Indiana’s deep run has been the growth and leadership of Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton, acquired from Sacramento in 2022, has blossomed into one of the league’s elite point guards. He’s averaging over 20 points and 10 assists per game in the playoffs and continues to shine in clutch moments. His 21-point, 13-assist effort in Game 6 against the Knicks was a textbook example of his ability to take over games.
Pascal Siakam, the team’s midseason acquisition, has been another key factor. The 2019 NBA champion brings experience and toughness to Indiana’s frontcourt, and his 31-point outing in the Game 6 closeout win against New York earned him Eastern Conference Finals MVP honors. Alongside Myles Turner, Aaron Nesmith, and Andrew Nembhard, Indiana’s balanced scoring and gritty defense have become their identity.
However, Indiana’s biggest challenge is now ahead. The Oklahoma City Thunder have been dominant all season and are arguably the most complete team in the league.
Thunder Scouting Report
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2024-2025 season has been historic. All that is left for them to accomplish is winning an NBA championship. OKC’s 68 wins during the regular season are the sixth most in NBA history. Even more impressively, 54 of those wins were by double digits — another record-setting milestone.
At the center of their success is league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He led the NBA in scoring at 32.7 points per game, earned his third straight All-NBA First Team selection, and set a league record by scoring at least 20 points in 72 consecutive games. Since joining the Thunder via the Paul George trade in 2019, SGA has blossomed into one of the game’s elite talents.
Emerging stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are flanking him, two young cornerstones who have given OKC versatility, athleticism, and elite two-way play. This trio has helped the Thunder become the blueprint for sustainable team building.
OKC swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, endured a seven-game battle with the 2022-2023 champion, the Denver Nuggets, in the second round, and then dismantled the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the Western Conference Finals. The Thunder’s path to the Finals has tested their depth, resilience, and coaching — all of which have passed with flying colors.
Series Prediction
While my heart hopes for a thrilling seven-game showdown between Oklahoma City and Indiana, my head says otherwise. The Thunder have too much talent, depth, and momentum — and that edge should carry them to the franchise’s first NBA championship.
Prediction: Thunder wins the series 4-2
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