NBA Finals 2025: When and where to watch Game 1 Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, full schedule and more
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The NBA Finals are finally upon us, and it looks like we're in for an exciting showdown between two teams that most didn't expect to see here at the beginning of the season. The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers have battled hard through some tough playoff games to get to this point.
Game 1 kicks off on Thursday, June 5, in Oklahoma City, and if the regular season is any indication—where OKC took both matchups—it's set to be a quick, high-pressure series.
Where to watch Game 1, start time, and streaming platforms
The first game of the 2025 NBA Finals is on Thursday, June 5 at 8:30 PM ET, taking place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Fans can watch it live on ABC. If streaming is more your style, you can catch the game on platforms such as the ESPN App, Sling TV, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream.
Pre-game coverage begins an hour before the game, so be sure to tune in for lineup news, analysis, and interviews.
Full 2025 NBA Finals schedule with dates and times
Here's the full list of games scheduled for the 2025 NBA Finals (all times Eastern):
Game 1: Pacers at Thunder – Thursday, June 5 – 8:30 PM (ABC)
Game 2: Pacers at Thunder – Sunday, June 8 – 8:00 PM (ABC)
Game 3: Thunder at Pacers – Wednesday, June 11 – 8:30 PM (ABC)
Game 4: Thunder at Pacers – Friday, June 13 – 8:30 PM (ABC)
Game 5: Pacers at Thunder – Monday, June 16 – 8:30 PM (ABC) if necessary
Game 6: Thunder at Pacers – Thursday, June 19 – 8:30 PM (ABC) if necessary
Game 7: Pacers at Thunder – Sunday, June 22 – 8:00 PM (ABC) if necessary
Thunder and Pacers reached the Finals with dominant playoff performances
Oklahoma City put together one of the most solid postseason performances. They started by sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, then managed to outlast the Denver Nuggets in a tough seven-game series, and wrapped things up against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 4–1 victory in the West Finals.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and rookie Chet Holmgren have all really stepped up their game.
In the meantime, Indiana surprised a lot of people by easily making their way through the East. They took down the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers, each in just five games, and then wrapped things up against the New York Knicks with a 4–2 victory. Tyrese Haliburton's leadership and Pascal Siakam's versatility have played a key role in their success so far.
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The 2025 NBA Finals is here, featuring the Thunder and Pacers, and it's a refreshing change with new faces, young talent, and an electrifying atmosphere. Whether you're a newbie or a lifelong supporter, this series is sure to bring excitement, surprises, and perhaps a new champion. Game 1 is merely the start of what could be an epic showdown.
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