NBA Finals Game 6 is impending, and the stakes cannot be any higher. With the Oklahoma City Thunder having established a series lead of 3-2, it falls on the Indiana Pacers to have their do-or-die situation on June 20, 2025, in their home court. Fans, bettors, and basketball enthusiasts across the globe are anticipating if the Pacers will take the series to Game 7 or the Thunder will seal the series.
From key injury reports to betting odds, here’s everything you need to know as we head into this high-stakes clash.
Team News and Injury Updates
Indiana Pacers
The Pacers do have some genuine concerns in front of Game 6. Everybody is watching Tyrese Haliburton, who had trouble throughout Game 5 with tightness in his right leg. While he waved off the pain, his performance (4 points on 0-for-6 shooting) was far below All-NBA standard. His well-being will be crucial for Indiana to keep its Finals hope alive.
In addition, Pacers will be without Isaiah Jackson (torn Achilles) and rookie Jarace Walker (ankle sprain), and Indiana must work with a reduced rotation.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Meanwhile, the Thunder's Nikola Topic continues to sit out games after undergoing knee surgery. Yet, that has not slowed Thunder from controlling games, as their studs in top health have risen to the challenge of making winning plays.
Key Players to Watch
Indiana Pacers
1. Tyrese Haliburton
Despite his Game 5 issues, Haliburton remains the Pacers' engine on offense. If he's getting closer to full health, scoring and playmaking will be imperative out of him.
2. Pascal Siakam
The veteran forward had 28 points to pace Indiana in Game 5 and will need to do so again for the Pacers to extend this series.
3. T.J. McConnell
McConnell was a bright spot off the bench in Game 5 with 18 points. His energy and production can be a game-changer in Game 6.
Oklahoma City Thunder
1. Jalen Williams
Williams had a career-high performance in Game 5, scoring 40 points and showing why he's a rising star. He'll look to keep that going in Game 6.
2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The league MVP has been as steady as can be throughout the series, topped by a 31-point, 10-assist double-double in Game 5. SGA's court vision and defense from both sides of the floor make him a key contributor.
Game 5 Recap
Game 5 was a clinic by Thunder as they defeated the Pacers 120-109 to take a commanding lead in the series.
Jalen Williams scored 40 points, stepping up in the clutch when the team was most in need of his contribution.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fueled his own offense with assists as well, chipping in 31 points and 10 helpers.
Turnovers plagued the play of the Pacers (23 total), and those were converted into 32 points for Oklahoma City. This was a phase where the game slipped away from Indiana.
Tyrese Haliburton, dealing with leg tightness, had an off night himself with just four points.
Factors That Will Decide Game 6
1. Pacers' Home Court Disadvantage
Gainbridge Fieldhouse has been a fortress for the Pacers, with a 36-14 home record this season and 7-3 in the playoffs. A deafening home crowd would provide Indiana Pacers with the much-needed energy boost to pull off an upset.
2. Thunder's Defense
Oklahoma City has consistently used its attack-oriented defense to shut down the Pacers' offense, particularly that of Haliburton. If they keep doing the same, Indiana will be left to find alternative sources of points.
3. Turnover War
The Pacers must cut down on turnover in order to keep pace. Getting easy buckets for the Thunder's potent offense could be a recipe for disaster for Indiana in the early going.
Current Betting Odds and Prediction
According to current odds from Stake.com, Thunder are listed as favorites to close out the series in Game 6.
Moneyline
Thunder: 1.38
Pacers: 3.00
Total Points Over/Under
220.5 points (Over 1.72 / Under 2.09)
Predicted Score
Thunder 119 - Pacers 110
Even if the Pacers' home court makes this a harder game, consistency from the Thunder defense and MVP-worthy play from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander give them the advantage.
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Can the Pacers Force a Decisive Game 7?
Their backs against the wall, the Pacers face a daunting task in Game 6. They'll need healthy Tyrese Haliburton, flawless play, and gigantic production from Pascal Siakam and T.J. McConnell if they are going to have a prayer against the soaring Thunder.
The Thunder, on the other hand, are within one win of their championship in years. With all-star play from Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City seems to be the team that will hoist the trophy in Indianapolis.
