Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Just four victories shy of claiming the championship, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are set to clash in Game One of the 2025 NBA Finals on Friday at PayCom Center, each aiming to strike first in their quest for the title.

Both teams have had remarkable seasons and are eager to seize the Larry O'Brien Trophy, but only one will emerge victorious in this high-stakes showdown.

The Thunder, returning to the NBA Finals for the first time since their 2012 loss to the Miami Heat led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, are poised for a potentially triumphant finale. Under coach Mark Daigneault, Oklahoma City has been the standout team this season, earning the top seed in the regular season and maintaining their dominance in the playoffs.

With reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm, the Thunder swept the Memphis Grizzlies 4-0 in the first round before overcoming a 2-1 deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 4-3 in a gripping second-round series.

They then dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games to secure their spot in the Finals. Having defeated the Pacers in both regular-season matchups, the Thunder are confident heading into Game One, especially with an impressive 8-1 playoff record at home.

The Indiana Pacers, meanwhile, have also showcased their playoff prowess. They breezed past the Milwaukee Bucks in five games in the first round, highlighted by a historic comeback in the final game.

Coach Rick Carlisle’s squad then stunned the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers with a 4-1 series win to advance to their second consecutive conference finals. After being swept by the Boston Celtics at this stage last season, the Pacers bounced back to defeat the New York Knicks in six games, again displaying their resilience with another remarkable comeback.

Tyrese Haliburton, who missed last year’s conference finals due to injury, was instrumental in the Pacers’ journey to the Finals, though Pascal Siakam edged him out for the conference finals MVP. Siakam, the only Pacer with NBA Finals experience from his championship run with the Toronto Raptors, will be crucial if Indiana hopes to upset the heavily favored Thunder on their home court.