NBA Finals AI predictions: Scores, picks for every Thunder vs Pacers game
NBA Finals AI predictions: Scores, picks for every Thunder vs Pacers game
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Pacers and Thunder NBA Finals is better than it's 'small-market' billing
USA TODAY Sports' Jeff Zillgitt breaks down the star-studded NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.
Sports Pulse
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.
NBA Finals 2025: AI predictions for every game, series outcome
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.
Game 1: Oklahoma City Thunder 118, Indiana Pacers 102
"Oklahoma City establishes dominance early with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the offense. The Pacers struggle to match the Thunder's defensive intensity and depth."
Game 2: Oklahoma City Thunder 112, Indiana Pacers 105
"Indiana shows resilience, with Tyrese Haliburton orchestrating the offense effectively. However, the Thunder's superior depth and defensive prowess secure another home victory."
Game 3: Indiana Pacers 110, Oklahoma City Thunder 108
"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."
Game 4: Oklahoma City Thunder 115, Indiana Pacers 100
"Oklahoma City rebounds strongly, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren leading the charge. The Pacers' defense falters."
Game 5: Indiana Pacers 109, Oklahoma City Thunder 104
"Facing elimination, Indiana plays its best game, fueled by Siakam and bench scoring."
Game 6: Oklahoma City Thunder 113, Indiana Pacers 105
"SGA delivers a Finals MVP performance as OKC closes it out on the road."
NBA Finals outcome: Thunder beat Pacers, 4-2
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