NBA Finals Preview: Pacers Prepare to Challenge Thunder

NBA Finals Preview: Pacers Prepare to Challenge Thunder

As the NBA Finals loom on the horizon, the Indiana Pacers are poised to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder, entering the championship series as underdogs by many observers. The Thunder completed the regular season with an impressive record of 68 wins, earning the title of the league's best team, largely thanks to the stellar performance of MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Pacers, however, have crafted a storyline marked by unexpected success. Entering the playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, their progression to the Finals adds an intriguing element to this matchup.

During the 2025 calendar year, both teams have emerged as two of the hottest in the league. Since January 1, Oklahoma City has tallied more wins (53) and boasts a higher winning percentage (80.3%) compared to Indiana's impressive 46 wins and 71.9% winning percentage.

The latest episode of The Athletic NBA Daily featured an in-depth preview of the Finals, encompassing the stylistic nuances of both teams as well as a debate on which team is favored. The conversation also delved into the contrasting coaching approaches: Oklahoma City's Mark Daigneault and Indiana's Rick Carlisle. Additionally, the analysts discussed whether Indianapolis's depth could prove pivotal as the series unfolds.

Earlier discussions on the podcast revisited the Pacers’ decisive Game 6 victory over the New York Knicks, which secured their spot in the Finals. The panel pondered Pascal Siakam's candidacy for Eastern Conference Finals MVP and debated his position as one of the top No. 2 options in the league.

The podcast also touched on the Knicks, analyzing the lack of chemistry between Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns and assessing whether a coaching change might be necessary to push the team past its current hurdles.

The Thunder's journey to the Finals, having easily dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, marks just their second appearance in NBA Finals history. Their last foray into the championship series was in 2012, culminating in a loss to a dominant Miami Heat team led by LeBron James. The Indiana Pacers are in a similar boat, returning to the Finals for the first time since the year 2000, where they also faced defeat, this time against the Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers.

The upcoming Finals promise not only a captivating on-court battle but also an opportunity to examine the tactical acumen of both coaches. At just 40 years of age, Mark Daigneault, who has been a head coach since 2020, faces a seasoned counterpart in Rick Carlisle, whose coaching journey began in 2001. Carlisle brings extensive experience, having guided the Pacers previously and notably winning a title with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.

Prior to Game 1, Carlisle expressed his admiration for the Thunder during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, emphasizing the respect he holds for the team. He noted, "We have great respect for Oklahoma City Thunder, and we're going to look forward to the challenge." He highlighted the importance of ball security and the need for pace against such a formidable squad.

Given their regular season accomplishments and strong playoff performance, the Thunder enter the Finals as heavy favorites. With a money line of -700, they are projected to have an 87.5% likelihood of securing the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

This matchup not only sets the stage for a defining chapter for both franchises but also invites fans to witness a showcase of talent and strategy at the highest level.