NBA Showdown: Pacers versus Thunder Preview: Odds, Broadcast Details, Start Time, and Network
The long-awaited 2025 NBA Finals are just around the corner, with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder taking on the scorching-hot Indiana Pacers. The curtain-raiser tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday from Paycom Center.
Buckle up for live coverage!
In the limelight among the Thunder stars is none other than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who commanded the MVP title this season for his league-leading scoring performance. Throughout the postseason, he's been nothing short of phenomenal, averaging 29.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds as the Thunder overwhelm opponents like the Memphis Grizzlies, the Denver Nuggets, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have also shone brightly, averaging 20.4 points per game and 8.6 rebounds per contest, respectively.
The 4th-seeded Pacers have surprised many with their unexpected Finals appearance. Superstar Tyrese Haliburton has led the charge, touting impressive averages of 18.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game in their offbeat victories against the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks. A harmonious combination of six players averaging double-digit scoring has been the key to Indiana's success in the postseason.
Who will emerge victorious? The battle unfolds right here at NBC News throughout the series!
Sidenote:
For a more in-depth look at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's performance in the NBA Finals and his postseason playstyle, see the enrichment data below.
- In Game 1, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped an incredible 40 points on 14-30 shooting, draining three of six three-pointers and sinking seven of eight free throws.[1]
- Throughout the 2025 playoffs (16 games), Gilgeous-Alexander averaged an astonishing 29.8 points, 6.9 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.
*The Western Conference Finals against Minnesota saw Gilgeous-Alexander averaging a whopping 31.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and a hefty 8.2 assists.
Gilgeous-Alexander excels at scoring inside the arc, deriving only 15% of his points from three-balls. His knack for drawing fouls earns him a high volume of free throw attempts.[2]
This evening, as the 2025 NBA Finals kick off, the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a promising candidate for the MVP title, will display his talent on the court. In Game 1 alone, he scored an impressive 40 points, showcasing his efficiency in scoring inside the arc and his ability to drain free throws. As the series progresses, expect his league-leading averages in points, assists, and rebounds to continue shaping the outcome of the games. Meanwhile, the Pacers, with their unexpected Finals appearance, will present a worthy challenge, led by Tyrese Haliburton's consistent performances.
