2025 NBA Finals Game 1 Preview - Indiana vs. Oklahoma City: Can the Pacers steal homecourt advantage from the Thunder? June 5, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The 2025 NBA Finals tip off with Game 1 on June 5 at 8:30 PM EDT at the Paycom Center, featuring a compelling showdown between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Both teams bring a high-octane style and deep rosters, setting the stage for an electrifying series.

Pace and Playing Style

This Finals clash promises speed and intensity. Oklahoma City thrives on tempo, averaging just 13.9 seconds per possession in the playoffs. Their swarming defense often ignites fast-break chances, allowing them to keep opponents on their heels. Indiana is equally relentless, pushing the pace even after made baskets and excelling in transition. Success in Game 1 may hinge on which team better handles turnovers and defends in transition.

Offensive Focal Point: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) enters the series in dominant form, having torched Indiana for 78 points on 11-of-18 shooting across two regular-season meetings—including a 45-point masterpiece. Known for his fluid drives, crafty step backs, and strong free-throw shooting (7.9 points per game in the playoffs), SGA poses a major challenge. Indiana must defend without fouling and stay disciplined, especially when SGA isolates or orchestrates from the perimeter.

Indiana vs. Oklahoma City Sports Bet Odds

The Thunder are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Pacers are favored by 9.5 points, with a money line of -425.
• The Knicks are the underdogs by 9.5 points, with a money line of +334.
• The over/under is set at 231 points, with the over at -110 and the under at -110.

Indiana's Defensive Test

Indiana, anchored by the league's top-rated defense, thrives on ball pressure and adaptability. Guard Andrew Nembhard will again draw the tough assignment of checking SGA, though his size disadvantage was evident in previous matchups. Expect the Pacers to rotate defenders, including Aaron Nesmith, and experiment with zone schemes to clog driving lanes and force perimeter shots.

Impact of the Supporting Cast

Offensively, Indiana leans heavily on Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam. Haliburton's playmaking and Siakam's matchup versatility are crucial to keep pace with the Thunder's fast tempo. Siakam's ability to exploit slower defenders could put pressure on Oklahoma City's frontcourt, which will need to adapt quickly.

The Thunder, meanwhile, benefit from a deep supporting cast. Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein provide a versatile blend of shooting, rim protection, and mobility. Holmgren, who missed regular-season games against Indiana, adds a fresh wrinkle to Oklahoma City's game plan and could be an X-factor.

Turnover Margin: A Game-Changer

One of the key battlegrounds will be possession control. Indiana ranks among the league's best in limiting turnovers, while Oklahoma City leads in steals and points off turnovers. Whichever team can dictate tempo through possession control may gain a significant edge, as turnovers often swing momentum rapidly in fast-paced contests.

Game 1 Outlook

Expect Oklahoma City to come out aggressively, testing Indiana's stout defense by pushing the tempo and attacking in transition. For Indiana to stay competitive, they must limit mistakes, contain SGA as much as possible, and continue hitting from the corners—an area where they've thrived throughout the playoffs. Coaching adjustments and defensive execution will be critical in what promises to be a closely contested Game 1.

With both franchises chasing their first championship in decades, this Finals opener could set the tone for a tightly fought, high-energy series.

2025 Comparative Indiana vs. Oklahoma City Postseason Stats

Indiana Pacers	VS	Oklahoma City Thunder
117.5	Points Per Game	117.1
39.6	Rebounds Per Game	44.3
28.1	Assists Per Game	25.3
7.5	Steals Per Game	10.8
11.9	Turnovers Per Game	11.1