The 2025 NBA Finals are here: Indiana Pacers versus Oklahoma City Thunder. Not the matchup most people expected, and certainly not one built around household names or global marketing reach. But for serious fans and bettors scanning NBA betting sites, this series is more than enough. Two small-market teams, each built methodically, each defying preseason expectations. This Finals isn’t about flash—it’s about substance, player development, and data-driven team building. Let’s get into what’s making this series compelling and why it matters more than it seems.
Shared Roots, Different Paths
Funny enough, these two teams, in some strange way, both stem from the same NBA deal. Back in 2017, Oklahoma City got Paul George from the Indiana Pacers. That initiated a whole series of trades. The Pacers got Oladipo and Sabonis, and then, Domantas was later traded for Tyrese Haliburton, who is the face of the franchise now. The Spurs sent Paul George to the Clippers and got Shai Gilgeous-Alexander along with several other picks, which were later used for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
Looking at the current trades happening in 2025, it is evident that bothof these trades shaped the foundation of each roster. The Pacers added versatile scorers with solid depth while the Thunder mentored young talents with glowing star power. Both teams nailed it.
Oklahoma City: The New Powerhouse
With a stunning record of 68–14, the Thunder dominated throughout the season. They maintained the industry standard for points every game, leading the NBA in point differential, and maintaining consistency throughout the duration of the season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepped up to the plate, winning the MVP with elite numbers; he is now controlling the game like a veteran and scoring efficiently from all three levels.
Alongside him, Jalen Williams has become a legit second star. Dort and Caruso, two elite perimeter defenders, also join this squad. He can defend as well as create off the dribble and punish any switches. Holmgren can now be considered a two-way threat on offense and defense, guarding the rim as well as spacing the floor without a hitch. With these two added, this squad can switch almost everything on defense without lacking an edge.
They’re deep, young, and healthy. The Thunder didn’t just get lucky with a rebuild. They nailed the draft and developed players the right way. You can see it in how they play—every possession is deliberate, everyone knows their role, and their spacing is textbook.
Indiana: Grit, Speed, and Ball Movement
Indiana didn’t start the year hot. They were 10–15 at one point. But something clicked after the All-Star break. The offense became smoother. Haliburton took full command. The addition of Pascal Siakam gave them a proven scorer and defender with championship experience. Since then, they’ve looked like one of the best teams in basketball.
Haliburton’s vision and tempo are central to Indiana’s attack. He leads all players in playoff assist-generated points. His ability to find shooters and cut off defenses is elite. Siakam has brought toughness and shot-making, especially in clutch moments. And Myles Turner? He’s been anchoring the paint while also stretching defenses with his shooting.
The Pacers move the ball better than just about anyone in the league. Their assist percentage is through the roof, and their offense hums when everyone’s involved. Their pace can catch opponents off guard, and their bench, while not flashy, consistently contributes.
Betting Picture
Let’s not ignore the obvious—OKC is favored by a wide margin in most books. Indiana is the underdog, plain and simple. But that hasn’t stopped the public from loading up on the Pacers because of the odds.
Here’s where understanding the Types of NBA Bets comes in. A straight moneyline bet on Indiana offers huge potential returns, but a safer play might be the spread. Taking Indiana to cover a +7.5 line, for example, has hit more often than not in the playoffs. Over/under totals are also tricky with this series because both teams can swing between offensive explosions and defensive slugfests depending on matchups.
Betting on player props—like Haliburton assists or SGA points—is also more predictable than trying to guess the winner. Matchups in this series are that tight. The margins are small.
Matchups That Will Decide It
Let’s break it down:
Haliburton vs. Caruso/Dort – Haliburton struggled in previous games against OKC’s defensive duo. If he can’t adapt, Indiana’s offense might stall. But if he figures them out, he’s the type of player who can rack up 20 points and 14 assists in his sleep.
Siakam vs. Holmgren – This is experience vs. length. Siakam needs to get Holmgren into foul trouble early. If he can’t, Holmgren’s rim protection will start choking off Indiana’s driving lanes.
Turner vs. Hartenstein – Turner’s ability to shoot forces Hartenstein to defend the perimeter. That spacing opens up backdoor cuts and slashing lanes. On the flip side, Turner must box out—Hartenstein’s rebounding has been critical in OKC’s playoff wins.
The Swing Players
Sometimes it’s not the stars—it’s the supporting cast. For Indiana, Aaron Nesmith has been lights out from three. He’s also a capable on-ball defender. If he keeps shooting over 45% from deep, he changes the calculus for OKC’s defense.
For the Thunder, it’s Isaiah Joe. One of the best shooters in the league, he’s been a microwave scorer off the bench. If he gets hot, that could swing a quarter, maybe even a game.
Jalen Williams is another piece that Indiana hasn’t figured out how to contain. His ability to drive, pull up, and pass out of pressure makes him a constant threat.
Depth and Injuries
Indiana’s big issue right now is Jarace Walker. He’s out for at least the first two games. That shortens their rotation and forces guys like Obi Toppin and Ben Sheppard to play extended minutes. Neither has been consistent this postseason.
Depth matters more than ever in the Finals. Foul trouble, off-nights, and fatigue become more of a factor. The Thunder are healthier, deeper, and more balanced at this point. That’s their biggest advantage beyond raw talent.
NBA Finals Schedule
Game 1 – June 5 in OKC
Game 2 – June 8 in OKC
Game 3 – June 11 in Indiana
Game 4 – June 13 in Indiana
Game 5 – June 16 in OKC (if needed)
Game 6 – June 19 in Indiana (if needed)
Game 7 – June 22 in OKC (if needed)
Every game is on ABC and streaming on most live TV platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who has home-court advantage?
A: Oklahoma City. They have a strong record at home this season and in the playoffs.
Q: Is this the first Finals for both teams?
A: Yes, for this core of players. Indiana last appeared in 2000. OKC hasn’t been back since 2012.
Q: What’s the best betting value right now?
A: Player props, especially Haliburton assists and SGA scoring totals.
Q: Can Indiana win without Jarace Walker?
A: It’s harder. They lose flexibility in the frontcourt and defensive coverage off the bench.
Q: What is The Influence of Media Hype on NBA Betting Markets?
A: It creates inflated lines—especially for overs and star-driven props. Media buzz can distort NBA betting markets, as books know fans will bet hype, so they set prices accordingly. Avoid getting caught in that.
Built Different, Built Right
Forget the glamour teams. These Finals are a reminder that small-market franchises can compete at the highest level without maxing out on free agents. It takes vision, patience, and solid scouting. The Thunder and Pacers are proof that a long-term plan, if executed correctly, beats a shortcut almost every time.
If you’re watching for the stars, you’ll find them. If you’re watching for team basketball, this is the series to learn from. And if you’re betting? Don’t just follow the noise—watch the matchups, read the rotations, and remember that the biggest names don’t always make the biggest plays when it counts.
This Finals is less about legacy and more about what comes next in the NBA.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: June 4, 2025
Last updated: June 6, 2025