Thunder-Pacers NBA Finals Preview: What to Know, Key Dates, Prediction
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The 2024-25 NBA Finals are now officially set, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers getting ready to square off. Both teams come in with a lot of excitement after some thrilling moments throughout he postseason.
Fans are obviously excited for this matchup, but there is a lot of information to know. This matchup features some real star power as well, with Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton leading the way.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 29: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball over Aaron Nesmith #23 of the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Paycom Center on March 29,...
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MARCH 29: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball over Aaron Nesmith #23 of the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Paycom Center on March 29, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. More
Photo byHere is a complete guide, preview, and key questions regarding the upcoming NBA Finals.
NBA Finals Schedule
Game 1: Thursday, June 5, at 8:30 p.m. ET from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City
Game 2: Sunday, June 8, at 8 p.m. ET, from Paycom Center
Game 3: Wednesday, June 11, at 8:30 p.m. ET, from Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis
Game 4: Friday, June 13, at 8:30 p.m. ET from Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Game 5 (if necessary): Monday, June 16, at 8:30 p.m. ET from Paycom Center
Game 6 (if necessary): Thursday, June 19, at 8:30 p.m. ET from Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Game 7 (if necessary): Sunday, June 22, 8 p.m. ET, from Paycom Center
Recent meetings between the two teams
The Thunder took both games against the Pacers this season.
Dec. 26, 2024: Oklahoma City defeated Indiana on the road, 120-114
March 29, 2025: Oklahoma City defeated Indiana at home, 132-111
Who has home-court advantage in the NBA Finals?
The Thunder have home-court advantage in this series after finishing the regular season with a record of 68-14. Oklahoma City was the top team in the NBA this season.
In comparison, Indiana finished the regular season with a record of 50-32. The Pacers entered the playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.
How did each team get to the NBA Finals?
Oklahoma City entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. They swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, then defeated the Denver Nuggets in the second round over seven games, before finally taking down the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Conference Finals in five games.
Indiana took on the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, winning the series in five games. The Pacers then defeated the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in five games, and finally, they took down the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals in six games.
How many NBA Finals appearances/titles has each team won?
Neither team has ever won the championship, and this will be the second appearance for each franchise in the NBA Finals. Technically, the Thunder franchise won a title as the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979, but Oklahoma City has never won one.
The Thunder last appeared in the NBA Finals in 2012, losing to the Miami Heat. The Pacers last appeared in the NBA Finals in 2000, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers.
For the seventh consecutive year, the league will crown a new champion, the longest streak in NBA history.
How much are tickets to the NBA Finals?
Right now, the cheapest ticket for Game 1 of the series in Oklahoma City is coming in at $693 according to StubHub. The cheapest ticket for Game 3 in Indiana is coming in at $809, according to StubHub.
Ticket prices will likely shift as the series goes on.
Who will win the NBA Finals?
Prediction: Thunder in six
The Pacers have been one of the best storylines from recent NBA playoff history, but the Thunder are an entirely different animal to deal with. Oklahoma City was the best team in the NBA for a reason, and they are one of the best defensive teams in league history.
Much like Indiana, Oklahoma City loves to run up and down the court. The Pacers likely won't be able to use pace to overwhelm the Thunder, and Oklahoma City uses a long rotation in games.
The Pacers are good enough to make this a compelling series, but in the end, the Thunder should take care of business.
More NBA news:
Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Savagely Trolls Knicks Following Playoff Win
NBA Finals Set to Feature Uncommon Matchup Missing for Almost Two Decades
For more Thunder, Pacers, and NBA Finals news and rumors, head on over to Newsweek Sports
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