Catch the Thunder-Indy Showdown: Finals Predictions and MVP Candidates
Predicted Candidates Likely to Clinch 2025 NBA Finals MVP Award: Insights provided
Get ready for the spectacle! The Oklahoma City Thunder are about to hit the court against the Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals. The spotlight is on Thunder's point guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who's been making waves as a top MVP contender.
Gilgeous-Alexander has already notched the NBA Regular Season MVP and Western Conference Finals MVP titles under his belt. With the Finals MVP award within his sights, he's the clear frontrunner, boasting odds of -550 according to OddsChecker [1].
The Thunder triumphed over the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1 to advance to the Finals for the first time in ten years [2]. Gilgeous-Alexander has been a cornerstone, averaging an impressive 31.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 5.2 rebounds in the Western Conference Finals [2].
Contenders for the 2025 NBA Finals MVP
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder) 🏆🏆 -550
- Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers) +650
- Pascal Siakam (Pacers) +2300
- Jalen Williams (Thunder) +3300
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder) +7500
- Myles Turner (Pacers) +36000
Tyrese Haliburton: A Strong Challenger
Though Pacers point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, didn't snag the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, he was right behind teammate Pascal Siakam in the MVP nods [3]. Siakam earned the MVP for the Eastern Conference Finals with five votes, and Haliburton followed closely behind with four [3].
During Game 6's win against the New York Knicks, Siakam particularly shined, racking up 31 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists [3]. Meanwhile, Haliburton posted averages of 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 10.5 assists throughout the series [3].
Breaking the MVP Curse?
If Gilgeous-Alexander clinches the Finals MVP, he would become the first player in a decade to win both the Regular Season MVP and Finals MVP in the same year since LeBron James did it in 2013 [4]. Moreover, it could end an eight-year streak of MVP award recipients not winning a championship in their MVP year, with the last being Stephen Curry in 2015 [4].
And if the Thunder takes the championship, it would be their first title since moving from Seattle to Oklahoma in 2008 [5]!
NBA Finals 2025 Schedule
- June 5 - Pacers vs Thunder, 8:30 p.m. ET
- June 8 - Pacers vs Thunder, 8:00 p.m. ET
- June 11 - Thunder vs Pacers, 8:30 p.m. ET
- June 13 - Thunder vs Pacers, 8:30 p.m. ET
- June 16 - Pacers vs Thunder, 8:30 p.m. ET*
- June 19 - Thunder vs Pacers, 8:30 p.m. ET*
- June 22 - Pacers vs Thunder, 8:00 p.m. ET*
Game Time and Streaming
In the U.S., you can catch the action live on ABC or stream it on fubo (offering a free trial for new customers) [6]. Don't forget to tune in and witness history in the making! 🚀🔥
- Indiana Pacers
- NBA
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- The Thunder and the Indiana Pacers are set to compete in the NBA Finals, reviving the traditional sport of basketball within the US sports news landscape.
- Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers' point guard, showcased his skills during the Eastern Conference Finals, securing him as a strong MVP contender for the upcoming NBA Finals, despite missing out on the Eastern Conference Finals MVP.
- Fans of cricket or other sports might find an unexpected thrill in the NBA, as the Finals between the Thunder and the Pacers could break the MVP curse, mirroring the achievements of NBA legend LeBron James from 2013.
