Set stages. Under the brightest lights, the NBA finals begin as history echoes and the weight of dreams. Oklahoma City. Indiana. A showdown is predicted, but one of them houses all the elements of something memorable. With Media Day already buzzing and the first game was eliminated on Thursday, the finals were not just a conclusion – it was a celebration of basketball when faith exceeded expectations.
It’s a showdown between rising stars and experienced leaders, between a franchise rebirth and a man chasing the glory of the championship. As always, it started in the air- and everything to play.
The road to the final: Thunder and Pacers collided
In the league defined by Super Team and star-studded rotations, the Thunder and Pacers have drawn their own routes. Not only did Oklahoma City win — they swept the regular season series against Indiana with precision and calmness. On December 26, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lost 45 points, eliminating the early deficit and establishing dominance. By March 29, he had another 33 times, and the Thunder paraded again, 132-111.
The Pacers will be the first two teams characterized by luxury taxes since they came into effect 22 years ago. pic.twitter.com/2SDQ1IUQF7
– Front desk sports (@fos) June 1, 2025
Indiana’s roads were even harder, climbing through the East and finally overturning the Knicks in Game 6. Led by Tyrese Haliburton and the unstoppable Rick Carlisle, the Pacers proved worth it. But now is their toughest test-stopping the hottest team in basketball and the newly crowned MVP in the league.
MVP Tears and Thunderous Odds
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander not only won the MVP—he wears it. In the moment of sincerity, he cried and talked about his wife, gratitude and quiet perseverance to replace Brash’s circle of victory. Canada’s first MVP, Steve Nash, called it a “moment of legacy.” Gilgeous-Alexander’s honor was named a season when he beat Nikola Jokic and reminded everyone of the beauty in a star rather than buying his focus.
This is the greatest season for a Canadian basketball player ever.
I’m Steve Nash’s guy…but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the brink of magic!
*No. 1 NBA in PPG
*Second steal
*First time
*The first match in 30 points
*The first game in 40 points
*1 in… pic.twitter.com/le4ukjb34z— Tim Micallef (@TIM_Micallef) May 29, 2025
As the final approaches, odds makers echo the emotions. Oklahoma City enters -700 as a huge collection. Pacemaker, rebellious and dangerous, with an odds of +500. For the first game, Thunder was a 9.5-point favorite. The most likely series results? Five thunder and lightning. But the titles were not handed over to favorites – they were taken away.
Timetable: happens instantly
The final unfolds on the familiar rhythm of June – a rhythm engraved in the soul of the basketball. Each game will be aired on ABC, a prime time date ready to witness the great country.
Official timetable #nbafinals Depend on @youtubetv Between the walker and the thunder!
Game 1: Thursday, June 5, 8:30 pm/et on ABC pic.twitter.com/nv0tzrkhoc
– NBA (@NBA) June 1, 2025
-
Game 1: June 5, Oklahoma City, Indiana, 8:30 PM ET
-
Game 2: June 8, Oklahoma City, Indiana, 8:00 PM ET
-
Game 3: June 11, Oklahoma City, Indiana, 8:30 pm
-
Game 4: June 13, Oklahoma City, Indiana, 8:30 pm
-
Game 5: June 16, Indiana in Oklahoma City, if necessary
-
Game 6: June 19, Oklahoma City, Indiana, if necessary
-
Game 7: June 22, Indiana in Oklahoma City, if necessary
No clash with the Stanley Cup final means all the attention here – buzzers, legacy and heartbreak.
The value of numbers: Finding the edge
Despite Oklahoma City’s talent and depth, the odds may be too far. When you win the series at -700, you have to bet $700 to earn $100. Despite the respect the Thunder have received, this number means near certainty – something that is rarely found in finals built in games and moments.
“Oil and water are not mixed”
My mini video article, explaining why the Pacers – Thunder NBA Finals have a chance special.
enjoy! pic.twitter.com/h0t3cdahsg
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustesBaraHeni) June 1, 2025
Consider it: Indiana has already survived the storm in the East, beating Milwaukee and New York with two top teams. Their offensive flow, the spacing is elite, and shows resilience. With the +2.5 game priced at -110, Bettors can find value without the Walkers being dissatisfied, and this is just a competitive series.
More than 4.5 games were also listed as -425, indicating that the market expects at least five games. And if you think Indiana could steal two or force game 6, it’s a playable narrative, even without betting on a long +500 Moneyline.
Final Thought: Don’t fire losers
Thunder should be your favorite. But the gap between these teams may not be as wide as odds. In a series where Indiana’s strengths are perfectly matched by Oklahoma City’s usual strengths, the Pacers don’t need to shock the world—they just need to continue playing their own basketball brand.
The finals usually come down to who can execute, who can keep contributing and who seizes the biggest moment. Indiana’s offense, control of the ball and power make them dangerous losers-perhaps a wise choice.
In the great quiet calculus of the playoffs, the coach etches his own name with the winning name. Oklahoma City’s Mark Digneault has the best win rate in NBA playoff history (.692) in just 26 playoff games. Right behind him? A man named Phil Jackson. For Rick Carlisle of Indiana, the series was a ladder: a victory placed him in the 25th finals coach, winning five finals. The title will put him in a rare air, joining only 16 people claiming to be eight.
In addition to the finals, the Horizon is fast: the NBA draft will follow from June 25 to 26, with a wave of hope. But for now, the focus has narrowed. The final is here. Somewhere between tips and trophys, a new chapter in NBA history awaits writing.
