NBA Finals Predictions 2025

The 2025 NBA Finals feature a pair of teams that have yet to win a championship, both of whom will be equally desperate to end their respective long droughts. The opportunities to make NBA Finals 2025 predictions are endless, and the intensity will be dialed up for this can’t-miss series. 

On one end of the court, the Indiana Pacers already upset a pair of heavyweights in the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers en route to this series, and will have long odds to win for any 2025 NBA Finals predictions. Tyrese Haliburton has put this team on his back, and their energy off the bench has been a real difference maker on both ends of the court. Across the floor, the Oklahoma City Thunder are built to compete for the foreseeable future. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already secured both the regular season MVP award and the WCFMVP award this season, and has the chance to join elite company if he can complete the trio of awards in the NBA Finals. Only one of these can hoist the league’s most coveted trophy, so let’s dive right into the 2025 NBA Finals predictions. 

Matchup: Pacers vs Thunder Overview

• Teams: Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder
• Dates: June 5th, 8th, 11th, 13th, 16th, 19th, and 22nd, 2025
• Time: Tip off is at 8:00 PM EST (Games 2 and 7) or 8:30 PM EST (Games 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6)
• Venue: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana

Pacers vs Thunder Odds

The Indiana Pacers are massive underdogs in the 2025 NBA Finals, with odds of +460 to win the championship. However, they will not be deterred by these odds as they were +150 underdogs against the Knicks and +500 underdogs against the Boston Celtics. Across the court, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been massive favorites in each of their three series during their NBA Finals run. The -770 NBA odds are not surprising, as Oklahoma City put together one of the most dominant regular season performances in NBA history. 

For the exact scoreline Pacers vs Thunder odds, everything points towards a quick series victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The most likely outcome is a clean 4-0 sweep at +230 odds, with the Thunder closing out the series at home in five games, not far behind.  

Expert Prediction: Who Wins? 

Why the Indiana Pacers Could Win the NBA Finals

The Indiana Pacers are no strangers to being underdogs, having already overcome two Eastern Conference favorites this postseason. They were +150 underdogs against the Knicks and +500 underdogs against the Cavaliers, so the +460 odds against the Thunder will not discourage this squad. 

There is no denying the impact Tyrese Haliburton has made for this squad, but what has stood out is their willingness to share the ball and sprint up and down the court. The Pacers could be drawing out a new blueprint for the future of NBA contenders, as their seemingly endless supply of young talent allows them to keep fresh legs on the court. They dominated New York in transition, and will look to get the ball out early after every made basket by the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

If the Indiana Pacers want to win the 2025 NBA Finals, they will need to match the defensive intensity the Thunder bring onto the court. The Pacers can certainly outscore anyone on a nightly basis, but if they can’t get stops the other way, this could end up being a very short series. The Thunder have one of the best defensive units in recent history, but the Pacers have the depth needed to maintain a very high level of play. Oklahoma City is used to dominating the game with their bench unit, but that is a category the Pacers will need to win if they hope to pull off this upset. Indiana has the ball-handling responsibility with Haliburton to carve apart the Thunder defense, and the mobility of Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner on offense will give the Thunder problems. Indiana will need to get hot from behind the arc to win this series, but if they can get enough open looks from deep, they just may be able to do so. 

Why the Oklahoma City Thunder Could Win the NBA Finals

It is hard to put into words how dominant the Oklahoma City Thunder have been this season. They posted a +12.9 plus/minus in the regular season, which was the best of all time. All five teams that posted a +11 or better plus/minus went on to win the NBA championship, and there is no reason to expect that trend to end now. 

Oklahoma City has the MVP on their roster with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but that is not why they are in the NBA Finals. Their ability to play tough defense, combined with their ‘team first’ mentality on the offensive end, is what has separated them from the rest of the league. Their 108 defensive rating in the regular season is virtually unheard of in the modern-day NBA, but the Thunder found a way to shut down the league’s most dangerous scorers. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have had massive roles to play on both ends of the court, but make no mistake, this is still Gilgeous-Alexander’s team. 

Gilgeous-Alexander’s 32.7 PPG in the regular season led the league, and his 29.8 PPG in the playoffs is not far behind. Not only that, but Gilgeous-Alexander is dishing out nearly 7 assists while only turning the ball over 2.2 times per game. One common misconception about Gilgeous-Alexander’s game is that he relies on getting to the free-throw line to find success, but that is not his fault. Gilgeous-Alexander drives into the paint with an extensive finishing package, and the defense’s only option is to send him to the line rather than allowing an easy two points. The Thunder have the best player on the court, the best starting five, the best bench unit, and home court advantage. This could be the start of a true NBA dynasty, and the Thunder have everything they need to win the 2025 NBA Finals. 

2025 NBA Finals Predictions

The 2025 NBA Finals are likely to become a one-sided affair. When the Oklahoma City Thunder jump out to an early lead by taking care of business at home, the Pacers’ belief will start to slip away when they find themselves in a hole. Indiana has taken a 2-0 series lead in all three playoff series so far, and they will likely struggle with their backs against the wall. Gilgeous-Alexander will be able to outplay Haliburton on both ends of the court, and the Thunder will go on to win their first championship in franchise history. Gilgeous-Alexander will take home the Finals MVP to add to his rapidly growing trophy case, and the Thunder will not even need a second trip to Indiana when they take care of business in five games or less. It could turn out to be a sweep, but one hot shooting night from Indiana will let them steal a game, and the Thunder will celebrate their victory in front of a home crowd in game five.

Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder in Five Games (+260)

How to Make NBA Finals 2025 Picks

The 2025 NBA Finals offer a fantastic opportunity to make NBA predictions with Sportzino, and the best part is you can do it all 100% free. Sportzino offers competitive NBA odds for moneylines, spreads, totals, and countless player props for every game of the 2025 NBA Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder are heavy favorites on the NBA odds, but the long odds on the Indiana Pacers offer a potentially massive outcome. Make sure you visit Sportzino today to make all your NBA Finals 2025 picks!