The 2025 NBA Finals are here, and for the first time ever, it’s Oklahoma City vs Indiana for the title. Two teams chasing their first championship, two stars (SGA and Haliburton) gunning for greatness, and one series that could define the next NBA era.
I’ve been tracking these playoffs from the jump; betting lines, breakout games, momentum shifts, and now it all comes down to this. Whether you’re looking to bet smart, stay sharp, or just keep up with the latest odds and MVP watch, you’re in the right spot.
This page covers everything you need: the full Thunder vs Pacers schedule, game results, betting insights, MVP odds, and how to watch or wager legally in the U.S. Let’s get into it.
The 2025 NBA Finals matchup is locked in: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers. What started as a 30-team battle has come down to two franchises chasing their first-ever championship. The sportsbooks aren’t hedging – OKC is the overwhelming favorite, but if you believe in the Pacers’ underdog magic, there’s still big value to be had.
| Team | Current Odds | Opening Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | –1600 | +1000 |
| Indiana Pacers | +900 | +5000 |
Odds via FanDuel and BetMGM. Accurate as of June 6, 2025.
You can lock in these markets at the top sportsbooks offering legal NBA Finals betting, including:
If you’re backing the favorite or looking to ride the longshot, both platforms offer series odds, player props, MVP markets, and live in-game betting.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
The Thunder are the odds-on favorites for a reason. They finished the regular season with a league-best 68–14 record and have rolled through the playoffs with composure beyond their years. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is locked in, playing like a man on a mission, and the supporting cast from Chet Holmgren’s rim protection to Jalen Williams’ two-way impact makes this team a nightmare on both ends. Their youth, depth, and defensive tenacity give them the edge, and oddsmakers clearly agree.
Indiana Pacers:
The Pacers have been the story of the postseason. Entering with +5000 championship odds, they’ve knocked off higher seeds at every stage and come into the Finals with nothing to lose. Tyrese Haliburton continues to orchestrate Indiana’s high-octane offense, and Pascal Siakam’s veteran presence has been massive. They’ll need to hit shots at volume and keep pace with OKC’s tempo, but if they do, they’ve already proven they can punch above their weight.
We’ll keep this section updated as games are played and markets shift. Check back regularly for the freshest insights.
The NBA Finals follow a best-of-seven format, with the Oklahoma City Thunder holding home-court advantage thanks to their league-best regular-season record. That means OKC will host Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if needed), while Indiana gets Games 3, 4, and 6.
Here’s the official 2025 NBA Finals schedule:
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Matchup | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thursday, June 5 | 8:30 PM | Pacers at Thunder | Paycom Center, OKC | 111-110 |
| 2 | Sunday, June 8 | 8:00 PM | Pacers at Thunder | Paycom Center, OKC | TBD |
| 3 | Wednesday, June 11 | 8:30 PM | Thunder at Pacers | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | TBD |
| 4 | Friday, June 13 | 8:30 PM | Thunder at Pacers | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | TBD |
| 5* | Monday, June 16 | 8:30 PM | Pacers at Thunder | Paycom Center, OKC | TBD |
| 6* | Thursday, June 19 | 8:30 PM | Thunder at Pacers | Gainbridge Fieldhouse | TBD |
| 7* | Sunday, June 22 | 8:00 PM | Pacers at Thunder | Paycom Center, OKC | TBD |
We’ll update the venue and results after each game, so bookmark this page if you’re following along or placing live bets.
The 2025 NBA Finals will be broadcast live across the United States, giving fans multiple ways to tune in, whether you’re watching on cable, through a streaming platform, or using an antenna.
All games will air nationally on ABC, so if you have a cable or satellite subscription, you can simply flip to your local ABC channel to watch the Finals live. This is the traditional go-to option for most viewers.
Several major streaming services offer live access to ABC as part of their packages, including:
Each of these platforms includes ABC in most regions and typically offers a free trial or month-to-month subscription. These are perfect options for cord-cutters who still want live coverage.
No cable? No problem. If you have a digital HD antenna, you can still watch the Finals live and free over the air. ABC is a network station, meaning most U.S. households can receive it with a basic antenna setup.
While the games themselves will be on ABC, you may find related coverage such as analysis, highlights, and pre/post-game content, available through ESPN+. If you subscribe to the Disney+ bundle (which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+), you’ll have access to a broad range of NBA content, though live Finals games typically stream only on ABC or through platforms that carry it live.
Bringing the Finals to life once again will be:
This all-star broadcast crew combines deep basketball knowledge with dynamic storytelling to enhance every moment on the court.
I’ve tested a lot of sportsbooks over the years, and not all of them are worth your time especially when it comes to big events like the NBA Finals. If you want legit odds, smooth betting experience, and fast payouts, we’ve pulled together the best legal betting sites for NBA so you don’t have to go digging. These are the books I’d actually use when the pressure’s on.
With the 2025 NBA Finals tipping off, the MVP market is locked in and it’s clearly Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s to lose. But with multiple breakout performances during the playoffs, there are still value picks further down the board. Here’s where things stand heading into Game 1.
2025 NBA Finals MVP Odds
| Player | Team | MVP Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Oklahoma City Thunder | –550 |
| Tyrese Haliburton | Indiana Pacers | +3300 |
| Pascal Siakam | Indiana Pacers | +1300 |
| Jalen Williams | Oklahoma City Thunder | +700 |
| Chet Holmgren | Oklahoma City Thunder | +36000 |
| Alex Caruso | Oklahoma City Thunder | +36000 |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:
SGA is the clear front-runner for a reason. He’s already bagged the regular-season MVP and has been the engine behind OKC’s deep run. If the Thunder close this series in convincing fashion, it’s hard to imagine anyone else getting the nod.
Tyrese Haliburton:
If the Pacers pull off the upset, it’ll almost certainly be on the back of Haliburton. He’s been masterful throughout the playoffs, balancing tempo, scoring, and playmaking. At +700, he’s the best-value option among realistic contenders.
Pascal Siakam & Jalen Williams:
Siakam’s veteran presence and two-way reliability have been massive for Indiana, while Jalen Williams continues to show up in big moments for OKC. Both offer intriguing long-shot odds for bettors who think the spotlight might shift.
Deep Longshots:
Chet Holmgren, Myles Turner, and the rest of the +50000 crew would need a historic series to break through, think multiple 20/10 games with highlight reel blocks. It’s unlikely, but not impossible, in a long Finals.
The numbers matter, but so do the narratives. The 2025 NBA Finals aren’t just a clash of stats and systems, they’re a collision of styles, personalities, and rising legacies. Here are the battles and big-picture questions that could swing the series, and your bets.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been unflappable, efficient, poised, and ruthlessly effective. But Tyrese Haliburton is just as crafty, controlling Indiana’s tempo like a chess master. This matchup won’t be about jaw-dropping highlights; it’ll be about control, leadership, and who can bend the game to their will.
OKC’s strength is in its balance, with Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Luguentz Dort all playing key roles on both ends. But Indiana has scoring threats all over the floor, and if their shooters stay hot (looking at you, Siakam and Nembhard), they can put serious pressure on the Thunder defense.
This might be one of the most underrated storylines of the Finals. Mark Daigneault has his young squad playing mature, adaptable basketball. But Rick Carlisle has been here before and knows how to make mid-series adjustments. Watch for lineup tweaks, defensive wrinkles, and who calls the better timeout in crunch time.
Indiana thrives in chaos, fast breaks, early offense, and scramble situations. OKC, meanwhile, can toggle speeds depending on the matchup. If the Pacers can drag the Thunder into a shootout, they’ve got a shot. But if OKC dictates the rhythm, Indiana could be in trouble.
These matchups aren’t just fun to watch – they’ll shape the Finals MVP race, impact prop bets, and shift series odds game by game. Keep them in mind if you’re betting live or looking for angles between tipoffs.
The NBA Finals have produced some of the most iconic moments in sports history, from dynasty runs to underdog triumphs. If you’re diving into betting or just brushing up on league history, knowing who’s dominated the big stage can give you some real insight into the patterns of postseason success.
| Year | NBA Champion |
| 2024 | Boston Celtics |
| 2023 | Denver Nuggets |
| 2022 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2021 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2020 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2019 | Toronto Raptors |
| 2018 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2017 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2016 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2015 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2014 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2013 | Miami Heat |
| 2012 | Miami Heat |
| 2011 | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2010 | Los Angeles Lakers |
The last 15 years have been dominated by familiar names like the Warriors, Heat, and Lakers, but new blood has started to emerge with recent titles from Denver and Milwaukee shaking up the landscape.
| Team | Titles Won |
| Boston Celtics | 18 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 17 |
| Golden State Warriors | 7 |
| Chicago Bulls | 6 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 5 |
| Miami Heat | 3 |
| Detroit Pistons | 3 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 3 |
Boston’s 2024 win pushed them just ahead of the Lakers for the most championships in league history, a rivalry that has spanned decades and continues to define the NBA’s biggest stages. The Warriors’ run in the 2010s also boosted them into the upper tier, proving how quickly a dominant era can reshape the record books.
We don’t take shortcuts when it comes to reviews. Everything we publish is based on first-hand experience and real testing. Here’s how we do it:
That’s the standard we hold every platform to — so you can bet smarter, not harder.
We don’t just write about the NBA — we live it. From betting on mid-season road games to staying up late crunching odds during the playoffs, everything on this page comes from real experience. We test sportsbooks ourselves, follow every shift in the market, and stay honest about what’s worth your money and what isn’t. No fluff — just the kind of insight we’d want if we were on the other side of the screen.
Betting should be fun — not something that causes stress or harm. If you ever feel like it’s getting out of hand, it’s important to take a step back and reach out. There are free, confidential resources available 24/7:
Only bet what you can afford to lose, and never chase your losses. If you’re unsure, talk to someone — your future self will thank you.
Final Buzzer: Stay Sharp, Bet Smarter
The NBA Finals bring the best of the best on the court and in the markets. Whether you’re betting big or just following the action, keep checking back for updated odds, MVP shifts, and expert insights. We’ll be tracking it all, right to the last whistle.
As for my verdict? It’s hard to look past the Thunder. They’re deeper, better defensively, and led by a top-three player in the world right now. The Pacers have been the feel-good story of the postseason, but unless Haliburton plays out of his mind for two straight weeks, it’s OKC’s series to lose. That said, at +500, Indiana still offers real value if you’re banking on chaos (and hot shooting).
Play it smart, follow the matchups, and don’t chase. It’s going to be a fun ride either way.
As of late May, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the clear favorites to win the 2025 NBA Finals, with odds around -310 on most major sportsbooks. Their dominant playoff run and balanced roster have made them the team to beat.
The odds are updated daily and vary slightly between sportsbooks. You can find full NBA Finals winner odds, MVP markets, and game-by-game lines on sites like FanDuel and BetMGM — all featured in our betting odds section above.
The four teams still in contention as of now are the Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves. The two Finals spots will go to the winners of the Eastern and Western Conference Finals.
Yes — all four teams currently listed reached the playoffs through strong regular-season finishes. The Thunder were the first to clinch, finishing with a league-best 68–14 record.
Home-court advantage is awarded to the team with the better regular-season record. That team hosts Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary), while the opponent hosts Games 3, 4, and 6.
