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Fox Sports
3 hours ago
- Business
- Fox Sports
2025 NBA playoff predictions, odds: Back Thunder to sweep underdog Pacers
After a lengthy layoff between rounds, the NBA Finals begin on Thursday. It will feature the upstart Indiana Pacers taking on the juggernaut Oklahoma City Thunder. These two teams have taken very different paths to get here. The Pacers were once 10-15 in the early stages of the season and looked like they might struggle to even return to the postseason after such a sluggish start. They eventually overcame that rocky start and captured the 4-seed in the Eastern Conference. The Thunder had no such struggles, as they enter the Finals with an absurd 80-18 overall record — including the playoffs. They even set the record for most double-digit wins as the 1-seed in the Western Conference this season. OKC not only had a record-setting 54 wins by 10 or more but won a staggering twelve games by 30 points or more. has some fascinating tidbits about this series. Betting on these two teams to meet in the Finals prior to the season would have paid 100-1 at BetMGM, while the Pacers were 25-1 to win the East and 66-1 to win the NBA title. This was an incredibly unlikely run, and considering the Pacers' 10-15 start, it's even more amazing. But can they finish the job? I'm skeptical. However, I am somewhat hesitant to underestimate this Pacers team, considering how impressive it has been through the first three rounds. Indy is led by Hall of Fame coach Rick Carlisle and the aptly-named Pacers want to run and gun, playing at a fast, frenetic tempo. But that's usually not the formula for pulling off an upset against a more talented team. The Thunder are young, deep, and outstanding defensively. They will thrive at playing a fast-paced style. What gave the Thunder the most trouble so far this postseason was when the Nuggets dragged them into a slow, half-court game. It also helped that Denver had three-time MVP Nikola Jokić. I think the underdog story comes to an end here. It'll be like when the aforementioned Nuggets quickly disposed of the underdog Heat in five games to win the championship in 2023. The Pacers are a fantastic story, but this is a brutal matchup, considering their style of play. The Thunder, on the other hand, have a plethora of viable perimeter options for defending Pacers' star Tyrese Haliburton. FanDuel had "OKC to sweep" at +330 just hours before I wrote this, and it's now the best number on the market at +290. But it's still a bet that I would make. The Thunder are heavy -750 series favorites, and losing would be a historic Finals upset. But chalk should prevail here, as I expect the Thunder to make short work of the Pacers. PICK: OKC (+290) 4-0 Correct Series Score PICK: Total games Under 5.5 (-135) Will Hill, a contributor on the Bears Bets Podcast, has been betting on sports for over a decade. He is a betting analyst who has been a host on VSiN, as well as the Goldboys Network. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
The Guardian
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The Thunder team I played for could have been a dynasty. This one still can
I was in Oklahoma City last month as the Thunder clinched their Western Conference semi-final against the Nuggets in Game 7, and saw first-hand the Thunder run Denver off the court. The game wasn't even close. The Thunder outplayed them on both sides of the court. Defensively, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault put the 6ft 5in Alex Caruso on in the 6ft 11in Nikola Jokić and, surprisingly, it worked. With Chet Holmgren or Isaiah Hartenstein providing help-side support, I watched a frustrated Jokić struggle to get to his spots. His usual tricks – flopping, drawing fouls – didn't work. The Thunder defense moved in perfect sync, and it completely disrupted Denver's rhythm. It was absolutely beautiful to watch. The Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named league MVP shortly afterwards, beating Jokić into second, and he thoroughly deserved the award. Their superior defense was on display again in the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. In the Game 5 win that sealed the Thunder's progress to the NBA finals, I watched them destroy the Timberwolves and defense was once again the key. Minnesota's Anthony Edwards described the Thunder's defense as: 'One string, 15 puppets on one string.' That's what's driven their rise all year. In a league where defense is often overlooked or criticized, the Thunder have made it their identity. And now, they're just four wins away from an NBA title. But as I have been enjoying this current Thunder team, I can't help but think back to the Thunder team I played for in 2010. The Thunder are heavily favored to beat the Indiana Pacers in the NBA finals, which start on Thursday, and they are the youngest team to ever make the finals since … the Thunder did so with a whole different cast in 2012. But I can say with 100% confidence, that if the Thunder kept that team – with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka – they would have won multiple championships. Back in 2009-2010, when I was part of the roster, the Thunder were extremely young. Scott Brooks was the coach. It was James Harden's rookie year. I remember when I first met him, he shook my hand and said: 'Nice to meet you sir. I grew up watching you play in college with Syracuse. You was blocking everything and dunking everything' That's when I realized I was now the old man in the room. But it also hit me – Harden was in the same position I'd once been in when I joined the Washington Wizards as a rookie, meeting guys like Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Charles Oakley and Christian Laettner. Throughout that season, myself, Kevin Ollie and Nick Collison, who were some of the elder statesmen on the team, would sit and watch the younger guys, shaking our heads and saying, 'These young cats have no idea how good they are going to be'. It all started with KD. He was the youngest player to ever lead the league in scoring at the time. And his work ethic was something I had never seen before. I remember after one practice, KD was doing this drill he liked – playing one-on-one against an invisible defender. But he went at it with the intensity of someone competing in the NBA finals. Every move was as sharp and deliberate as possible. Everything was at game speed. After practice, we all went in – showered, ate, got treatment, talked. Some of the coaches watched film with players. Then we came back out to the court, and KD was still out there, going full speed with his one-on-one moves. Dripping with sweat. He'd been at it for nearly two hours. I had never seen that kind of focus before. But when the team's star is working that hard, everyone else falls in line-and that's exactly what happened. The whole team rose to his level. Even after someone had a big game, they were back in the gym the next day, working like they'd just lost. They were running defensive slides and drills in the middle of the season, when most teams were cutting practice time. Harden fell right in line and worked hard every day. Even when he made rookie mistakes, he picked up the work ethic quickly. It was clear – if KD didn't have a problem being criticized, Harden couldn't either. I watched Harden study KD closely – how hard he worked on his shot, his offensive moves, his cuts to the basket, how he moved without the ball. Even after dropping 40 the night before, KD went right back to work. And Harden noticed. Then there was Russell Westbrook – fearless, relentless. He trained harder than anyone and played like a Tasmanian devil, all intensity and energy. He'd pick up full court, never taking a play off. I remember Coach Brooks telling the staff, 'If we don't get this guy to slow down, he's going to wear himself out.' But he never did. He just kept going – full speed, all the time. Westbrook was being mentored by Maurice Cheeks, who really took him under his wing, guiding and encouraging him. I remember hearing them talk on the plane after games – you could feel the intensity and passion in Russ's voice. That hunger was real, and it was going to take him far. And it did. Then there was Jeff Green – one of the most underappreciated players on that Thunder team, in my opinion. He was an integral part of their success. He never complained about shots, touches, or a lack of recognition. He just showed up and did his job. Too quick for most power forwards, too strong for most small forwards, and incredibly efficient. He didn't back down from anyone. And his ability to guard positions 2 through 5 made him invaluable. Ibaka was young, athletic, and raw – but he was soaking everything in. He watched KD's work ethic, Westbrook's intensity, Green's professionalism, Harden's shooting (he even did all the shooting drills Harden did on his own time), and Thabo Sefolosha's defensive awareness. Thabo, by the way, was also a key part of that team. Let me be clear: I'm not placing blame on the organization or any player for why this group didn't stay together and become a dynasty. But the talent was there. And they were only going to get better. This will go down as one of the biggest what-ifs in NBA history – not if they would've won a title together, but how many they could have won if they'd stayed together. This current OKC team has similar levels of talent. But this time, there's a real chance to finish what they started. And with the NBA finals starting Thursday, they have the chance to begin a championship run – one that could last for years. Etan Thomas played in the NBA from 2000 through 2011. He is a published poet, activist and motivational speaker
Hypebeast
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
adidas Basketball Previews the Harden Vol. 9 Fall/Winter 2025 Collection
Summary James Harden'spostseason run with the Los Angeles Clippers looked promising early on, however, it was cut short after Nikola Jokić led the Denver Nuggets to a triumphant game seven victory in the first round. As Harden gears up for next season, him andadidas Basketballhave assembled another seasonal preview of what's to come from theadidas Harden Vol. 9. The first of seven colorways is one that you're likely to see sported during the NBA Finals, with Jalen'JDub'Williams' white, green, and purple take on the shoe that is dropping on June 6. From there, a 'Red Metallic' pair is backed by a black base, arriving on June 21. An orange'Dynamo'colorway succeeds it on July 26, a month before the sleek'Molded Leather'iteration releases. 'Flamingo Pink' sees the Harden Vol. 9 covered in pink and will be dropping on September 20. A slime green 'Snakeskin' and silver 'Uno Chain' round out the range by launching on October 17 and November 11 respectively. Enjoy this early look at all seven pairs and stay tuned for more updates from adidas Basketball regarding the Harden Vol. 9 as it continues to drop in new colorways through the end of the year.
New York Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Ex-Nuggets coach Mike Malone says Nikola Jokić was his pick for MVP despite praise for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Former Denver Nuggets coach Mike Malone said his MVP vote would have gone to Nikola Jokić, not Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 'I did vote for him again this year — if I had a vote,' Malone said on ESPN before Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. 'Want to make sure the people in Denver know that because, right now, I'm getting a lot of heat back home.' Advertisement Malone's comments Thursday night referenced some of his praise for Gilgeous-Alexander after the Oklahoma City Thunder's Game 1 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Malone said, 'Gilgeous-Alexander, he showed why he's the MVP' after his 31-point, nine-assist performance in the 114-88 win. Gilgeous-Alexander was announced as the NBA's MVP the following night. Previously, Malone had been one of the most vocal supporters of Jokić, as he won the MVP Award in three of the last five seasons. Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander were considered the two leading MVP candidates this season, and despite the long list of achievements Jokić has piled up in recent years, many have argued he just finished his best individual season in 2024-25. In early March, less than a month before being fired, Malone told reporters a player with Jokić's resume 'wins the MVP 10 times out of 10.' Malone led Denver to its first NBA title in 2023 but was fired along with general manager Calvin Booth on April 8 after behind-the-scenes tensions between Malone and Booth boiled over. Malone was ousted with only three games left in the regular season, but Denver made it past the first round behind interim coach David Adelman, whom the Nuggets promoted to full-time head coach Thursday. Before Malone's firing, team and league sources indicated the team's most important players, including Jokić, had grown frustrated and fatigued by Malone's fiery ways. After Malone and Booth were fired, Jokić said he spoke with Nuggets team president Josh Kroenke about the Booth-Malone decision before it was revealed publicly. 'I'm not gonna say what Josh told me,' Jokić said in April. '(But) I mean, I knew a little bit before everybody, and he … told me, 'We made a decision.' So it was not a discussion. It was (their) decision. And, you know … he told me why (it was done). And so I listen and I accept it.'
Fox News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's mother leaves emotional voicemail after her son wins MVP
Print Close By Ryan Morik Published May 22, 2025 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named the NBA's MVP Wednesday night, and someone who's been there through it all could not have been happier. Shortly after Gilgeous-Alexander won the award, the first of his career, AT&T released a video highlighted by a voicemail left for the MVP by his mother, Charmaine. "Finally! You got it!" she began. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON "You deserve it. Like I said, be you, stay focused and everything else will work out. You're definitely on your way to being one of the best to ever play the game. And now? Another thing checked off your list. This is why your whole life has been consistent. Be careful and continue to dominate and be the best leader on and off the court. The world finally gets to see you the way I've always seen you. "You know how much I love you. I'm so, so, so proud of you. Well-deserved. Bye, love you." The Canadian star and league's leading scorer posted career highs with 32.7 points and 6.4 assists per game, carrying the Oklahoma City Thunder to the No. 1 seed in the West with an NBA-best 68-14 record. Gilgeous-Alexander was the MVP runner-up last year to Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder defeated Jokić's Nuggets in seven games in the second round this season. KNICKS CHOKE AWAY DOUBLE-DIGIT LEAD LATE AFTER PACERS PULL OFF REGGIE MILLER-ESQUE HEROICS Gilgeous-Alexander was the 11th overall pick by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018 but was quickly traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. He only spent one year there, though, and was part of a package that sent Paul George to Los Angeles. Since the trade, Gilgeous-Alexander has been a diamond in the rough, and he will soon be named first-team All-NBA a third straight year. He's also led the NBA in free throws made per game the last two seasons. Oklahoma City kicked off the Western Conference finals with a 114-88 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, who fell in the same round to the Dallas Mavericks last year. OKC trailed by four points at the half but outscored Minnesota 70-40 in the second half. This is the furthest OKC has gotten in the playoffs since 2016, when the Thunder blew a 3-1 lead to the 73-9 Golden State Warriors in the conference finals. The Warriors then did the same to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Oklahoma City, formerly known as the Seattle SuperSonics, is still looking for its first NBA title since moving (Seattle won the NBA title in 1979). The Thunder last made the NBA Finals in 2012, when they lost to James and the Miami Heat. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter . Print Close URL
