The 2025 NBA Finals: BetNow's Experts Weigh In on Thunder vs. Pacers

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, we've arrived at the grand finale: the Oklahoma City Thunder will face off against the Indiana Pacers for the coveted Larry O'Brien Trophy!

This unexpected, yet incredibly exciting, matchup brings together two dynamic and high-octane teams. Game 1 of the Finals tips off on Thursday, June 5th, at 8:30 PM ET on ABC.

The Road to the Finals

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been a force to be reckoned with all season, soaring past opponents with their youth, athleticism, and the undeniable brilliance of NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They dominated the Western Conference finals, dispatching the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games, with SGA delivering multiple 30-plus point performances to seal their trip to the championship round. This marks the Thunder's second NBA Finals appearance since the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008. While they've yet to hoist the trophy as the Thunder, the franchise does hold a championship from 1979 as the Seattle SuperSonics.

On the Eastern Conference side, the Indiana Pacers defied expectations, captivating fans with their fast-paced style and relentless offensive attack. Led by Eastern Conference Finals MVP Pascal Siakam and fueled by a historic Game 4 performance from Tyrese Haliburton against the New York Knicks, the Pacers clinched the East in an entertaining six-game series. This is also the Pacers franchise's second NBA Finals appearance, and they are seeking their first-ever NBA championship.

Recent Head-to-Head and Team Form

In their last six overall matchups, the Thunder and Pacers have split victories evenly, with three wins apiece. However, this season, Oklahoma City has shown clear dominance, winning both regular-season encounters by margins of +6 and +21 points. Notably, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) shone brightly in both games, posting 33 and 45 points respectively, with Tyrese Haliburton unable to contain him.

Last Five Games for the Thunder:

• Win vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (124-94)

  
  

• Win @ Minnesota Timberwolves (126-128)

  
  

• Loss @ Minnesota Timberwolves (143-101)

  
  

• Win vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (118-103)

  
  

• Win vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (114-88)

  
  

Last Five Games for the Pacers:

• Win vs. New York Knicks (125-108)

  
  

• Loss @ New York Knicks (111-94)

  
  

• Win vs. New York Knicks (130-121)

  
  

• Loss vs. New York Knicks (100-106)

  
  

• Win @ New York Knicks (109-114)

BetNow's Experts Make Their Picks!

With Game 1 just around the corner, our team of NBA experts at BetNow.eu has weighed in with their predictions for how this thrilling series will unfold. Will the Thunder's youthful exuberance and MVP talent prove too much? Or will the Pacers' high-octane offense and newfound swagger lead them to their first title?

Here's how our experts see the 2025 NBA Finals playing out:

• Aaron: Thunder in 6

  
  

• Andre: Thunder in 7

  
  

• Bob: Thunder in 5

  
  

• Chris: Thunder in 5

  
  

• Dave: Thunder in 6

  
  

• Davies: Thunder in 6

  
  

• Freddie: Thunder in 6

  
  

• Jack: Thunder in 5

  
  

• Jason: Thunder in 5

  
  

• Jay: Pacers in 7

  
  

• Jeremy: Pacers in 7

  
  

• Joe: Pacers in 6

  
  

• Joel: Thunder in 5

  
  

• John: Thunder in 6

  
  

• Joey: Thunder in 5

  
  

• JP: Thunder in 5

  
  

• Marc: Thunder in 6

  
  

• Marc: Thunder in 7

  
  

• Michael: Thunder in 6

  
  

• Neil: Thunder in 5

  
  

• Rick: Thunder in 5

  
  

• Will: Thunder in 5

  
  

• Zach: Thunder in 5

  
  

The Consensus: A Thunderous Majority!

Looking at the predictions, it's clear there's a strong lean towards the Western Conference champions.

Final Tally Summary:

• Thunder in 5: 10

  
  

• Thunder in 6: 7

  
  

• Thunder in 7: 2

  
  

• Pacers in 6: 1

  
  

• Pacers in 7: 2

  
  

A resounding 19 out of 22 of our experts are picking the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the 2025 NBA Finals! The most popular prediction is the Thunder closing it out in five games, followed closely by a six-game series victory. Only three experts are giving the nod to the Indiana Pacers, predicting a gritty series that could go to six or even seven games.

Game 1 Analysis: Why the Thunder are Favored

After analyzing all the available data, the consensus points to the Thunder winning Game 1 of the series. They have been favorites for the championship for months, and failing to secure the first game would be quite disappointing. Additionally, a very high-scoring game is expected.

From an individual performance perspective, two of the Thunder's key players are expected to shine. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should exceed 12.5 rebounds + assists, orchestrating the team's offense as their primary playmaker. On the defensive end, Chet Holmgren is anticipated to be a defensive linchpin for the series, shutting down scoring opportunities near the rim for the Pacers.

Do you agree with our experts? Or do you think the Pacers have what it takes to pull off the upset and bring a championship home to Indiana?

Don't just watch the action, be part of it! Head over to BetNow.eu now to get the latest odds, place your bets, and make your own predictions for every game of the 2025 NBA Finals!

Which team are you backing to lift the trophy? Let us know in the comments below!