The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers kick off the battle for the NBA title this Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 9:30 PM Brasília time, which is 8:30 PM local time in Oklahoma City. Game 1 of the NBA Finals takes place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Both teams arrive at the championship with remarkable campaigns, promising an electrifying series in pursuit of the Larry O’Brien Trophy. The game will be broadcast live across multiple channels and platforms, offering fans various ways to catch every moment. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder aim for their first title as an Oklahoma City franchise, while the Pacers, guided by Tyrese Haliburton, chase their inaugural championship for Indiana. The budding rivalry and standout performances from star players make this matchup unmissable.
Excitement is soaring, with fans packing the streets of Oklahoma City and Indianapolis. Bars, restaurants, and fan zones are gearing up to host supporters who couldn’t secure stadium tickets. The series promises intense games, with tactical strategies and individual performances likely to shape the outcome.
- Confirmed broadcasts: Band (free TV), ESPN (cable TV), Disney+ (streaming), Prime Video (streaming), and NBA League Pass (league streaming).
- Accessible time: 9:30 PM Brasília time, ideal for Brazilian viewers to watch live.
- Game venue: Paycom Center, the Thunder’s home, with a capacity of 18,203 fans.
- Tickets: Sold out, but available on the secondary market starting at $60.
This clash brings together two teams with distinct yet effective playing styles, heightening curiosity about who will take the lead in this opening game.
Journey to the finals
The Oklahoma City Thunder earned their spot after a dominant run in the Western Conference. They swept the Memphis Grizzlies 4-0 in the quarterfinals, showcasing their strength early on. In the semifinals, the Thunder faced the Denver Nuggets, a recent champion, and stumbled in game 1, losing at home on a clutch shot by Aaron Gordon. Under coach Mark Daigneault, and powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the season’s MVP, they bounced back to close the series 4-3, sealing it with a commanding 125-93 win in game 7. In the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1, proving their prowess both at home and on the road.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers carved an equally impressive path in the East. They met the New York Knicks in the conference finals, a series full of twists. The Pacers stole the first two games on the road, with Tyrese Haliburton clutch in game 1 and Pascal Siakam shining at Madison Square Garden in game 2. Despite dropping two games later, Indiana held firm and clinched the series 4-2, securing the Eastern Conference title and a Finals berth after 25 years.
Where to watch live
Basketball fans in Brazil have plenty of options to follow game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Thunder and Pacers. Band will air it live on free TV, reaching millions of viewers at no cost. On cable, ESPN provides full coverage, including pre- and post-game analysis. For streaming, Disney+ offers the game with Portuguese narration, while Prime Video is another choice. The NBA League Pass, the league’s official platform, delivers the matchup with extras like replays and unique camera angles. Coverage starts at 9:30 PM Brasília time, set to draw a massive audience.
Probable lineups for the game
Coached by Mark Daigneault, the Oklahoma City Thunder are expected to stick with their starting five, blending speed, stout defense, and offensive efficiency. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team’s cornerstone, averages 30.6 points per game from the regular season and is the offensive linchpin. The probable lineup includes:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (guard): Season MVP and offensive leader.
- Jalen Williams (forward): Versatile, aiding in scoring and defense.
- Lu Dort (forward): Defensive specialist, key against fast offenses.
- Chet Holmgren (power forward): Young talent, a Defensive Player of the Year contender.
- Isaiah Hartenstein (center): Dominant presence in the paint.
On the Pacers’ side, coach Rick Carlisle relies on a balanced starting unit, with Tyrese Haliburton as the playmaker. Their probable lineup is:
- Tyrese Haliburton (guard): Stellar in assists and scoring.
- Andrew Nembhard (shooting guard): Rising star with a solid shot.
- Pascal Siakam (forward): Effective in the paint and clutch moments.
- Aaron Nesmith (forward): Adds defense and long-range shooting.
- Myles Turner (center): Defensive anchor with three-point ability.
Injuries may shift these lineups, but currently, the Thunder list Nikola Topic as a confirmed absence, while the Pacers are without Isaiah Jackson and James Wiseman, both sidelined by serious Achilles injuries.
Predictions for game 1
Experts see a tight contest, with a slight edge to the Oklahoma City Thunder due to home-court advantage and consistent defensive play in the playoffs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring and playmaking are viewed as critical for the Thunder to take an early lead. For the Pacers, the duo of Haliburton and Siakam could turn the tide, especially if their fast-paced attack clicks. A close score is anticipated, with the Thunder potentially edging out a narrow win, perhaps leading 4-2 in the series, according to some analysts.
Stadium and city details
The Paycom Center, located in Oklahoma City, has been the Thunder’s home since 2008 and holds 18,203 fans. Opened in 2002, the arena underwent recent upgrades, enhancing lighting and fan comfort. Playoff games here are known for an electric atmosphere, challenging visiting teams. Oklahoma City is buzzing, with team flags lining streets and community events like watch parties in bars and fan zones drawing crowds.
Weather forecast for the game
June 5 in Oklahoma City promises a pleasant evening for fans heading to the Paycom Center. Forecasts show partly cloudy skies, with temperatures between 68°F and 73°F (20°C to 23°C) at game time, 9:30 PM Brasília time (8:30 PM local time). Humidity will hover around 55%, with light winds up to 6 mph and no chance of rain. Conditions suit both stadium-goers and fans watching at outdoor venues like bars and big screens.
Tickets for the game
Tickets for game 1 at the Paycom Center sold out days ago, reflecting the hype for the Finals. On the secondary market, platforms like Ticketmaster offer seats starting at $60 for upper levels, with courtside spots reaching up to $600. High demand underscores the passion of Thunder fans and the game’s significance.
Head-to-head history
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers have a balanced rivalry. In official games, the Thunder lead with 52 wins to the Pacers’ 47. During the 2024-25 regular season, they split their two meetings, each taking one victory. This is their first playoff encounter, adding unpredictability to the series. Their last clash, on March 30, 2025, saw the Thunder win 132-111 in Oklahoma City.
Last 5 games for each team
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been steady recently:
- 03/30/2025: Thunder 132 vs. 111 Pacers (win)
- 05/28/2025: Thunder 124 vs. 94 Timberwolves (win)
- 05/25/2025: perfeito Thunder 108 vs. 102 Timberwolves (win)
- 05/23/2025: Timberwolves 99 vs. 105 Thunder (win)
- 05/20/2025: Thunder 112 vs. 109 Timberwolves (win)
The Indiana Pacers also showed strength:
- 05/31/2025: Pacers 125 vs. 108 Knicks (win)
- 05/29/2025: Knicks 94 vs. 111 Pacers (win)
- 05/27/2025: Pacers 118 vs. 110 Knicks (win)
- 05/25/2025: Pacers 138 vs. 135 Knicks (win)
- 05/23/2025: Knicks 114 vs. 109 Pacers (loss)
Top scorers in focus
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paces the Thunder with a 30.6-point average from the regular season, a constant offensive threat. For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam shines with 23 points per game in the playoffs, excelling in the paint. Tyrese Haliburton, with a stellar assist average, also adds key points, while the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren blends tight defense with accurate shooting.
Fun facts about the matchup
A few intriguing tidbits spice up the story:
- The Thunder haven’t lost to the Pacers at Paycom Center since 2017, an eight-game home streak.
- Tyrese Haliburton averages 27 points in seven career games against the Thunder.
- Pacers coach Rick Carlisle was an assistant during Indiana’s last Finals run in 2000.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in scoring over 10 straight games this season.
- Both teams boast young rosters, with average ages under 25.
Game officiating
The NBA assigned an experienced crew for game 1. James Capers leads as the head referee, known for strict calls and a low rate of technical fouls, keeping the game flowing. Sean Corbin and Kevin Cutler round out the team, bringing expertise to tricky calls, especially in the paint, where Siakam and Holmgren will battle. The Replay Center will be active for reviews, ensuring accurate decisions.
