Pacers vs Thunder: NBA Finals AI predictions, scores, picks for every game
There's a consensus opinion forming about the 2025 NBA Finals before they even begin Thursday night, and it makes sense because the Oklahoma City Thunder have been the best team in the league all season. There just aren't that many people who believe the Indiana Pacers can beat them.
None of the USA TODAY Sports experts chose the Pacers to win the series. No one from The Oklahoman went against the Thunder, and only one staff member from the IndyStar has the Pacers winning the NBA title. Just three of the 32 experts polled by ESPN picked the Pacers over the Thunder.
Oklahoma City is the biggest favorite entering the NBA Finals since 2017 when the Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers with Steph Curry and Kevin Durant, according to the latest odds. If there's debate, it's about how competitive these Finals can potentially be. Perhaps that's where artificial intelligence is most helpful in this case.
AI predictions are generated with the very same content that features so many people picking the Thunder to win the NBA championship for the first time. So USA TODAY Sports asked ChatGPT to predict the score and outcome of every game during the 2025 NBA Finals between the Thunder and Pacers, and the simulation it produced projects some drama and memorable performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith.
Did AI align with almost everyone else in choosing the Thunder to win the championship? And how many games will the series last? Here's a breakdown of the score and outcome prediction made by ChatGPT for every game of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers:
PERSPECTIVE: Don't worry about NBA Finals TV ratings. Appreciate Pacers-Thunder for what it is.
USA TODAY Sports asked ChatGPT to predict the score and outcome of every game during the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. The AI simulation it produced was based on a range of data, including team performance, player matchups, efficiency ratings and betting market analysis found at various internet sources. Here are the results, including a synopsis of each predicted game generated by ChatGPT.
"Oklahoma City establishes dominance early with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the offense. The Pacers struggle to match the Thunder's defensive intensity and depth."
"Indiana shows resilience, with Tyrese Haliburton orchestrating the offense effectively. However, the Thunder's superior depth and defensive prowess secure another home victory."
"The Pacers capitalize on home-court advantage, with Aaron Nesmith delivering a standout performance. A late-game surge propels Indiana to their first win of the series."
"Oklahoma City rebounds strongly, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren leading the charge. The Pacers' defense falters."
"Facing elimination, Indiana plays its best game, fueled by Siakam and bench scoring."
"SGA delivers a Finals MVP performance as OKC closes it out on the road."
Watch the NBA Finals with Fubo
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Leon Draisaitl's ‘revenge' mic drop for Oilers-Panthers SCF rematch
The post Leon Draisaitl's 'revenge' mic drop for Oilers-Panthers SCF rematch appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Edmonton Oilers lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Florida Panthers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final — but they're getting another crack at it a year later. Advertisement For the second straight time, the Oilers dispatched the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final, this time taking just five games to get the job done. Edmonton beat Dallas 6-3 in Game 5 at American Airlines Center on Thursday night. The focus now turns to another glorious opportunity to bring a Stanley Cup to Alberta for the first time since 1990 — and star forward Leon Draisaitl is relishing the challenge. 'We know what they're about,' Draisaitl said of the Panthers, per The Athletic's Daniel Nugent-Bowman. 'We played them seven times. They're a good team. We're a really good team as well. It's nice to get a shot at getting some revenge.' The Oilers were one of just 10 teams in the history of the National Hockey League to erase an 0-3 postseason deficit, looking down and out after Game 3 against the Panthers but going on to win each of Games 4, 5 and 6. Advertisement Unfortunately for the squad, they were unable to complete the comeback — something only four teams have done — losing 2-1 in Game 7 at Amerant Bank Arena. This time around, the Oilers will have home-ice advantage; they finished third in the Pacific Division, while the Panthers were third in the Atlantic. Game 1 between the two juggernauts is set for Wednesday night at Rogers Place. The 1st Stanley Cup Final rematch since 2008-09 The Oilers erased an 0-2 deficit against the Los Angeles Kings in Round 1, winning in six games before defeating the Vegas Golden Knights and Stars in five each. The Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in five, Toronto Maple Leafs in seven and Carolina Hurricanes in five. Advertisement It's the third consecutive time Florida will play for hockey immortality after winning the franchise's inaugural championship last year. Edmonton is making back-to-back Finals trips for the first time since the Oilers dynasty of the 80's, when the franchise won four Cups in 1984, 1985, 1987 and 1988. After shockingly trading Wayne Gretzky following title No. 4, the Oil won again in 1990. They marched all the way to the league's ultimate series again in 2006, but lost to the Hurricanes in seven games. This is the first time there's been a back-to-back East and West champion since the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings played twice in 2008 and 2009. The Wings won in six in '08, and the Pens got revenge in a seven-game thriller in '09. This time around, Draisaitl and his teammates have some unfinished business as they look to bring Lord Stanley back to Canada for the first time since the Montreal Canadiens won it all in 1993. Advertisement 'We've prepared to be in this position for a long time. These are more normal positions for us now,' said Connor McDavid, who once again leads the playoffs in scoring after playing hero in Game 5 against the Stars. 'The moment doesn't feel big. It doesn't feel anything other than a hockey game. That allows you to make your play.' The Oilers and Panthers have made a lot of enemies along the way, but regardless of who you cheer for, the 2025 Stanley Cup Final is going to be electric. Florida is looking to establish itself as a modern-day dynasty, while Edmonton is desperate to capture a championship in the McDavid and Draisaitl era. After a couple days of rest and relaxation — for both teams — puck drops at Rogers Place just past 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday night.
Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Alexander, defence lead Alouettes past Argonauts 28-10 to open CFL season
MONTREAL - Davis Alexander threw for one touchdown and 205 yards as the Montreal Alouettes defeated the Toronto Argonauts 28-10 to open their Canadian Football League season on Friday. Montreal (1-0) earned its revenge after the visiting Argonauts defeated the Alouettes 30-28 in last year's East Division final en route to their 19th Grey Cup title. Alexander — in his first game since the Alouettes traded '23 Grey Cup MVP Cody Fajardo — rushed for 50 yards on four attempts to improve to 5-0 as a starter in the CFL. The 26-year-old quarterback also threw one interception on a warm, hazy night as prairie wildfire smoke drifted into Quebec on Friday. Tyson Philpot caught one touchdown pass, Issac Adeyemi-Berglund returned a fumble into the end zone, and Caleb Evans rushed for a major before 21,480 at Molson Stadium. The Alouettes' defence held the Argos to just 34 rushing yards, and Alexandre Gagné tied a CFL single-game record with seven special teams tackles. Veteran QB Nick Arbuckle, last year's unexpected Grey Cup MVP, threw for one touchdown, two interceptions and 273 yards on 20-for-32 completions for Toronto (0-1). The Argonauts lineup featured 13 different starters compared to last year's championship game. Toronto also started a second consecutive season without starting QB Chad Kelly, who broke his tibia and fibula late in last year's East final. Montreal kicker Jose Maltos went 2-for-3 with a rouge. Toronto's Lirim Hajrullahu went 1-for-1 on a 45-yard field goal. Montreal took a 15-3 lead heading into halftime when Adeyemi-Berglund returned a fumble 17 yards into the end zone after Shawn Oakman laid out Arbuckle with 32 seconds left in the second quarter. The play stood after review — instead of being ruled an incomplete pass — despite the fact Arbuckle released the ball before Oakman's hit. The league ruled that Arbuckle did not have a throwing motion before the ball left his hands. Things only got worse for the Argos as James Letcher Jr. returned a kickoff 67 yards to open the second half. Alexander then ran 12 yards and completed three passes to set up Evans' one-yard QB sneak into the end zone as the Alouettes took a 22-3 lead 4:29 into the half. Derek Slywka intercepted Alexander's deep pass with five minutes remaining in the third quarter for his first pick in the CFL. Alexander appeared to injure himself late in the third quarter when a Toronto defensive lineman fell on his legs. He rolled round on the field, holding his left knee in pain, but ultimately stood up on his own and returned to play on the next drive. Toronto finally scored a touchdown with 10:47 remaining when D'Verick Daniels fought his way into the end zone after catching a pass for 11 yards. Arbuckle's 47-yard bomb deep to David Ungerer III set up the score to cut Montreal's lead to 22-10. The Alouettes went ahead 25-10 after Alexander led a drive to Toronto's 23, leading to a Maltos field goal from 31 yards out. Tyrice Beverette, a nominee for defensive player of the year last season, intercepted Arbuckle's throw with 2:33 left to all but seal the result. Montreal opened the scoring eight minutes in with a rouge after Maltos missed a field goal from 38 yards out following a botched snap. Alexander aired out a pass into the end zone for Philpot, but the ball fell just out of his reach. Alexander and Philpot made good on their next attempt. The two connected for Montreal's first touchdown of the season on a 26-yard pass deep into the end zone with 2:01 remaining in the first quarter to take an 8-0 lead. The Argos, meanwhile, struggled to generate momentum on offence. Toronto reached the Montreal 28 six minutes into the second quarter, but Arbuckle threw an interception picked off by defensive back Lorenzo Burns. Arbuckle made a couple big completions, including a 35-yard throw to Coxie, to reach the Montreal 39 on the ensuing drive. Toronto, however, settled for a field goal after two incompletions. UP NEXT Alouettes: Visit the Ottawa Redblacks next Friday. Argonauts: Host the Calgary Stampeders on June 14. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Maxx Crosby Had 6 Words For Tyrese Haliburton's Game-Winner
Maxx Crosby Had 6 Words For Tyrese Haliburton's Game-Winner originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Las Vegas Raiders signed star defensive end Maxx Crosby to a record-breaking extension just before the 2025 NFL free agency period. New general manager John Spytek gave him a three-year deal worth $106.5 million, with $91.5 million guaranteed. Advertisement Crosby is a four-time Pro Bowler and has been named a Second-Team All-Pro on two occasions. This laundry list of achievements has earned him several big-time sponsorships and a prominent place in the current professional sports landscape. He is also quite vocal on social media when watching other sporting events like the NBA or UFC. Crosby is also an investor in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Las Vegas Raiders DE Maxx Crosby (98).Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images On Thursday, Game 1 of the NBA Finals took place between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. The Pacers capped off a 15-point come back with a game-winning shot by Tyrese Haliburton. Crosby sent a message to Haliburton after this improbable shot. Advertisement "WHAT THE HALI!!!!!!!" Crosby wrote. "RESPECT THAT MFR 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥." The Pacers had not led the entire game until Haliburton drained the go-ahead shot with 0.3 seconds remaining in the contest. Haliburton finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, while Pascal Siakam led the way for Indiana with 19 points and 10 boards. 2025 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 38 points for the Thunder, and All-Star Jalen Williams chipped in another 15 in the loss. Game 2 will take place on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. EST at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Related: Maxx Crosby Casts Doubt on Travis Hunter's Two-Way Chances Related: Former Raiders GM Makes Admission About Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
