Expert Picks for Pacers-Thunder Series

From the moment the 2024-25 NBA season tipped off in October, it was all leading to June and the NBA Finals. After seven months of regular-season basketball and an electrifying postseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are the last two teams left standing.

Oklahoma City Thunder's Journey

The Thunder soared past the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference finals, winning the series in five games -- four of which featured 30-plus point outings from NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This is the Thunder's second Finals appearance, and it would be their first NBA championship as the Oklahoma City Thunder. (The Seattle SuperSonics franchise relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 and won a title in 1979.)

Indiana Pacers' Road to the Finals

The Pacers, led by Eastern Conference finals MVP Pascal Siakam and a historic Game 4 performance from Tyrese Haliburton, clinched the East with an entertaining six-game series against the New York Knicks. This is the franchise's second Finals appearance, and if it prevails, it would be its first NBA title.

Expert Predictions

Ahead of Game 1 of the Finals on Thursday (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC), our NBA experts make their picks.

• Jerry Bembry: Thunder in 6
• Tim Bontemps: Thunder in 5
• Chris Herring: Thunder in 5
• Zach Kram: Thunder in 5
• Bobby Marks: Thunder in 5
• Dave McMenamin: Thunder in 6
• Neil Paine: Thunder in 5
• Kevin Pelton: Thunder in 5
• Omar Raja: Thunder in 5
• Ramona Shelburne: Thunder in 5
• Andre Snellings: Thunder in 7
• Marc Spears: Thunder in 7
• Jeremy Woo: Pacers in 7
• Michael C. Wright: Thunder in 6
• Ohm Youngmisuk: Thunder in 6

Final tally: Oklahoma City 14, Indiana 1

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Pascal Siakam: The battle between the MVP and the Eastern Conference finals MVP will be crucial.
2. Tyrese Haliburton's Playmaking: Haliburton's ability to control the game and create opportunities for his teammates will be key for the Pacers.
3. Defensive Strategies: Both teams will need to adjust their defensive schemes to counter the offensive firepower on the other side.

Conclusion

The 2025 NBA Finals promise to be an exciting clash between two teams hungry for their first championship. With expert predictions heavily favoring the Thunder, the Pacers will need to bring their A-game to pull off an upset.