Date: June 13, 2025
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
The 2025 NBA Finals have been an exciting tug-of-war between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. After three games, the Pacers are leading the series 2-1, thanks to a 116-107 win in Game 3 on their home turf, which is their first NBA Finals home game in 25 years. Game 4 is crucial; if the Pacers win, they’ll take a strong 3-1 lead, putting a lot of pressure on the Thunder to bounce back and avoid a tough situation. Conversely, if the Thunder win, they’ll tie the series at 2-2 and regain the momentum as the series heads back to Oklahoma City for Game 5.
Team Overviews and Recent Form
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers have been energized by an enthusiastic home crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, tapping into the spirit of a franchise eager for its first NBA championship. Their defense in Game 3 was especially remarkable, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they restricted the Thunder’s scoring chances and created turnovers. Important players include:
Tyrese Haliburton (PG): The Pacers’ main guy and star playmaker, Haliburton, has had a bit of a rollercoaster ride in the Finals so far. He nailed the crucial basket in Game 1, but since then, he’s struggled to hit his usual scoring numbers in the following games. His skills in running the offense and passing the ball well is still super important.
Bennedict Mathurin (SG/SF): A budding talent recognized for his scoring sprees and three-point accuracy, Mathurin’s play will be key in expanding the Thunder’s defense.
Myles Turner (C): Turner is the defensive anchor and rim protector for the Pacers. His ability to dominate the paint and grab rebounds is crucial for their interior defense and transition play.
The Pacers have gained an advantage from playing at home, taking advantage of rest and familiar routines that enhance their energy and concentration.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder, with 2025 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the helm, have shown great resilience and adaptability. Their victory in Game 2 (123-107) highlighted their offensive strength and defensive adjustments. Key players are:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SG): The Thunder’s star player has been the key player for their offense, putting up 38 points in Game 1 and 34 in Game 2. He just became part of an exclusive club of players who have scored over 3,000 points when you combine regular season and playoff stats, showcasing his scoring reliability and ability to perform under pressure.
Alex Caruso (PG/SG): Caruso brings energy and versatility when coming off the bench. His hustle plays and basketball smarts have been key, particularly in throwing off the Pacers’ rhythm and adding crucial points.
Chet Holmgren (C) and Isaiah Hartenstein (C): Lately, the Thunder have been relying more on their big guys, which has boosted their rebounding and inside defense—this was crucial for the comeback in Game 2.
The Thunder’s game plan focuses on a tough defense, minimizing turnovers, and pushing for free throws to throw off the Pacers’ rhythm.
Tactical Matchup and Key Factors
Pace and Transition: The Pacers excel during fast breaks, whereas the Thunder concentrate on managing the pace and pushing the Pacers into half-court plays.
Three-Point Shooting: Indiana’s success relies a lot on effective three-point shooting to offset the Thunder’s solid interior defense.
Turnover Battle: The Pacers have had a tough time with turnovers at the start of the series, and the Thunder have taken advantage of that. It’s crucial for Indiana to cut down on these errors.
Both teams have proven they can control the game on both sides of the court, but the Pacers’ edge at home and their strong defense in Game 3 indicate they will aim to capitalize on that momentum. On the other hand, the Thunder’s scoring strength, spearheaded by Gilgeous-Alexander, along with their recent defensive adjustments, make this matchup a tight one.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Indiana Pacers 114 — Oklahoma City Thunder 109
This forecast shows a tight match that was determined by key plays and defensive stops in the closing moments, with the Pacers narrowly defeating the Thunder to grab a 3-1 series advantage.