NBA Finals 2025: Full Schedule, Predictions, Key Matchups & How to Watch Live

The 2025 NBA Finals tip off tonight as the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder host the surging Indiana Pacers in Game 1, launching a best-of-seven clash that promises fireworks on both ends of the floor. Key storyline: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Tyrese Haliburton • MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander powered OKC to a 64-18 record and a league-best defense that allows just 107.3 points per 100 possessions at home. • Tyrese Haliburton’s up-tempo orchestration helped Indiana average 123.6 points since March 1, the NBA’s highest mark over that span. Whichever star controls pace and turnovers will dictate the early games in Oklahoma City. Complete 2025 NBA Finals schedule (all games on ABC, times ET) • Game 1: Pacers at Thunder – Thu. June 5, 8:30 p.m. • Game 2: Pacers at Thunder – Sun. June 8, 8:00 p.m. • Game 3: Thunder at Pacers – Wed. June 11, 8:30 p.m. • Game 4: Thunder at Pacers – Fri. June 13, 8:30 p.m. • Game 5*: Pacers at Thunder – Mon. June 16, 8:30 p.m. • Game 6*: Thunder at Pacers – Thu. June 19, 8:30 p.m. • Game 7*: Pacers at Thunder – Sun. June 22, 8:00 p.m. *if necessary How to watch and stream the Thunder vs. Pacers Cord-cutters can stream every game via the ESPN family of apps, YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV and Sling’s Orange package; local blackout restrictions do not apply during the Finals. International fans should check NBA League Pass for Finals-only packages. Betting outlook and odds Early lines list Oklahoma City as a –10.5 favorite in Game 1 and –700 to win the series, while Indiana opens at +500 to claim its first title. Bettors are monitoring the health of Pacers swingman Bennedict Mathurin (ankle), upgraded to probable for the opener. Three X-factors that could swing the series 1. Three-point variance: Indiana leads all playoff teams at 39.8 % from deep; OKC’s perimeter defense ranks No. 1 in opponent accuracy. 2. Rim protection: Rookie phenom Chet Holmgren averages 3.2 blocks this postseason, but Pacers center Myles Turner stretches defenses with pick-and-pop threes. 3. Bench punch: Sixth Man of the Year finalist Josh Giddey faces veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield in a duel that may decide late-quarter runs. Historical context • The Thunder are chasing their first championship since relocating from Seattle; their lone previous Finals trip came in 2012. • Indiana returns to the Finals for the first time since the Reggie Miller era (2000) and seeks the franchise’s maiden NBA crown. Travel & ticket tips for fans Lower-bowl seats at Paycom Center in OKC start around $650 on the resale market, while Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis opens near $425. Booking flights into Will Rogers World Airport or Indianapolis International at least 72 hours before tip has saved fans an average of 18 % on airfare this week, according to travel-aggregator data. Search-friendly FAQs • “Who is favored to win the 2025 NBA Finals?” – Thunder by –700 moneyline. • “What channel is Pacers vs. Thunder tonight?” – ABC nationwide. • “When is Game 7 of the NBA Finals 2025?” – Sunday, June 22 (if necessary). • “Can I stream NBA Finals free?” – Most providers offer 5- to 7-day trials; regional restrictions are lifted. Bottom line Oklahoma City owns home-court advantage and the league’s deepest young core, but Indiana’s blistering offense and fearless road record (6-2 this postseason) set the stage for a Finals that could go the distance. Check back after each game for updated scores, highlights, advanced stats and on-court adjustments that could rewrite NBA history in June 2025.