The 2025 NBA Finals are heating up as the series shifts to Indianapolis with everything tied at one game each. After a narrow win in Game 1, the Pacers were outplayed in Game 2 by a dominant Thunder team led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Now, for the first time in 25 years, the Finals return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Pacers hope the home crowd gives them the spark they need. With both teams showing they can win on the big stage, Game 3 feels like a turning point. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect.
Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
June 12, 2025 | 12:30 AM UTC
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis
Series Status: Tied 1-1
Game 1: Pacers 111–110 Thunder
Game 2: Thunder 123–107 Pacers
Game 2 Recap:
The Oklahoma City Thunder roared back from a heart-wrenching Game 1 defeat to overpower the Indiana Pacers 123-107, leveling the NBA Finals at 1-1.
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 34 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists.
OKC’s supporting cast stepped up:
Jalen Williams—19 pts
Aaron Wiggins—18 pts
Alex Caruso—20 pts off the bench
Chet Holmgren – 15 pts, 6 reb
The Thunder led by double digits for most of the game, putting the result beyond doubt by the end of the third quarter.
Pacers Cooling Down:
Tyrese Haliburton managed 17 points but was largely contained and limped post-game.
The Pacers saw 7 players in double figures, but none could shift momentum.
Rick Carlisle’s side has not lost consecutive playoff games this season—a key stat heading into Game 3.
Game 3: Return to Indianapolis
This marks the first NBA Finals game in Indianapolis in 25 years.
The Pacers will aim to harness home-court energy, where they’ve been strong throughout the postseason.
Key Matchups:
SGA vs. Haliburton—The MVP is in form; Haliburton needs a strong start.
Thunder’s depth—Caruso, Wiggins, and Holmgren provide X-factors.
Pacers' shooting—Need better early-game accuracy after a cold Game 2 start.
Injury Watch:
Pacers:
Isaiah Jackson: OUT (calf)
Jarace Walker: DAY-TO-DAY (ankle)
Thunder:
Nikola Topic: OUT (ACL)
Recent Form:
Pacers (last 6 playoff games): L, W, L, W, W, L
Thunder (last 6 playoff games): W, L, W, W, L, W
Prediction:
The Thunder won by 6+ points OKC displayed their dominance in Game 2 and appear poised to carry that momentum into Indianapolis. If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander maintains his MVP-level play and the Thunder bench continues to deliver, the Western Conference champs could take a 2-1 series lead and put themselves in pole position for the championship.
Current Betting Odds from Stake.com
According to Stake.com, the best online sportsbook, the betting odds for the two teams are 2.70 for the Indiana Pacers and 1.45 for the Oklahoma City Thunder (incl. overtime).
NBA Finals Schedule (UTC):
Game 3: June 12, 12:30 AM (Thunder and Pacers)
Game 4: June 14, 12:30 AM (Thunder and Pacers)
Game 5: June 17, 12:30 AM (Pacers and Thunder)
Game 6*: June 20, 12:30 AM (Thunder and Pacers)
Game 7*: June 23, 12:00 AM (Pacers and Thunder)
