Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers kick off the battle for the 2025 NBA title in a thrilling first game of the Finals series. Scheduled for June 5, 2025, at 9:30 PM Brasília time (8:30 PM local time), the matchup takes place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder aim to cement their dominant campaign, while the Pacers, guided by Tyrese Haliburton, rely on their fast-paced offense to pull off an upset. Fans can catch the live broadcast on multiple platforms, ensuring no one misses a moment. The clash promises intensity, with contrasting styles and star players in the spotlight. Excitement runs high as supporters pack the streets and the arena, eager for a historic moment for both franchises.
The NBA Finals bring together two teams that defied expectations throughout the season. The Thunder, leaders of the Western Conference, arrive with an impressive record, while the Pacers, East champions, showcase resilience and offensive firepower. Basketball fans eagerly await the showdown that will crown the league’s new champion.
- Game venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, with a capacity of 18,203 fans.
- Date and time: June 5, 2025, at 9:30 PM Brasília time.
- Competition: NBA Finals, 2024/2025 season, a best-of-seven series.
This opening game marks the start of a series that could redefine the legacy of both teams, with Oklahoma City back in the Finals since 2012 and Indiana chasing their first-ever title.
Journey to the finals
Oklahoma City Thunder carved their path to the championship with a stellar regular season, finishing with 68 wins and 14 losses. In the playoffs, they swept the Memphis Grizzlies 4-0 in the first round. The next challenge came against the Denver Nuggets, a tight series ending 4-3, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the comeback. In the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1, showcasing their defensive and offensive strength. Their defense, allowing just 103.5 points per game, tops the league.
The Indiana Pacers faced an equally tough road. With 50 wins and 32 losses in the regular season, they entered the playoffs as the fourth seed in the East. They took down the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and, in the conference finals, the New York Knicks in a 4-2 series. Tyrese Haliburton proved pivotal, averaging 18.8 points and 9.7 assists per game, driving the league’s fastest offense.
Stars on the court
The matchup features two of the league’s brightest talents. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s offensive leader, averages 32.7 points per game and earned the season’s MVP award. His quick direction changes and free-throw accuracy make him a constant threat. For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton runs the show, dishing out 9.7 assists per game to fuel their rapid pace.
Pascal Siakam, the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, anchors Indiana with his dominance in the paint. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren bring versatility and stout defense to the Thunder, while Myles Turner of the Pacers blends long-range shooting with rim protection.
Probable lineups for game 1
Barring last-minute changes, both teams are expected to field their usual starting fives:
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein. Coach: Mark Daigneault.
- Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner. Coach: Rick Carlisle.
The Thunder deal with key absences, including Adam Flagler, Nikola Topic, Chet Holmgren (recovering), and Alex Ducas, all sidelined by injuries. Alex Caruso’s status remains uncertain. The Pacers, meanwhile, monitor Tyrese Haliburton, who recently felt minor muscle discomfort, and Isaiah Jackson, out with an Achilles injury.
Where to watch live
Fans in Brazil have several options to follow game 1 of the NBA Finals. Band, on free-to-air TV, provides access with narration by Rômulo Mendonça and commentary from Ricardo Bulgarelli. On cable, ESPN delivers full coverage, including pre- and post-game analysis. For streaming, Disney+ offers the game with Portuguese narration, and Prime Video also broadcasts live. The NBA League Pass, the league’s official platform, includes extras like replays and unique angles. Coverage starts at 9:30 PM Brasília time, perfect for Brazilian viewers.
Weather forecast for Oklahoma City
The evening of June 5, 2025, promises pleasant conditions at the Paycom Center. Forecasts show partly cloudy skies, with temperatures ranging from 68°F to 73°F (20°C to 23°C) during the game, which starts at 8:30 PM local time (9:30 PM Brasília time). Humidity hovers around 55%, with light winds up to 6 mph. No rain is expected, ideal for fans at the arena and those gathering outdoors at bars and viewing areas.
Tickets for game 1
Demand for tickets to game 1 at the Paycom Center is sky-high, reflecting Thunder fans’ passion. Tickets sold out days ago on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s official site and Ticketmaster. In the secondary market, prices start at $60 for upper-level seats and climb to $600 for courtside views. A full house of 18,203 fans is expected to create an electric atmosphere.
Head-to-head history
Recent matchups favor the Oklahoma City Thunder. In the 2024/2025 regular season, the Thunder won both games, by margins of 6 and 21 points. Their perimeter defense shone, stifling the Pacers’ transition game and isolating playmakers like Haliburton. Over the past five years, OKC holds a 6-4 edge, with an average combined score of 218.3 points per game.
Recent team results
Both teams enter the Finals with strong playoff performances. Here are their last five games:
- Oklahoma City Thunder:
- Win over Minnesota Timberwolves: 118-103 (Western Conference Finals, game 5)
- Win over Minnesota Timberwolves: 112-108 (Western Conference Finals, game 4)
- Loss to Minnesota Timberwolves: 105-101 (Western Conference Finals, game 3)
- Win over Minnesota Timberwolves: 115-107 (Western Conference Finals, game 2)
- Win over Minnesota Timberwolves: 120-109 (Western Conference Finals, game 1)
- Indiana Pacers:
- Win over New York Knicks: 118-110 (Eastern Conference Finals, game 6)
- Loss to New York Knicks: 106-100 (Eastern Conference Finals, game 5)
- Win over New York Knicks: 114-109 (Eastern Conference Finals, game 2)
- Win over New York Knicks: 138-135 (Eastern Conference Finals, game 1)
- Win over Cleveland Cavaliers: 122-115 (Eastern Conference Semifinals, game 7)
Officiating for game 1
The NBA assigned an experienced crew for the opening game. Scott Foster leads as the head referee, known for his strict calls in high-stakes matchups. Lauren Holtkamp and Ed Malloy assist, ensuring accurate decisions on tough plays. The Replay Center will be active for reviews, guaranteeing fairness in this intense duel.
Fun facts about the matchup
Game 1 of the NBA Finals brings intriguing tidbits to heighten the buzz:
- The Thunder swept the Pacers in the regular season, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 45 and 33 points.
- This is the second Finals trip for both franchises: OKC fell in 2012, and the Pacers lost in 2000.
- Tyrese Haliburton was voted the most “overrated” player by peers but led the Pacers to the East Finals.
- The Paycom Center hasn’t seen a Pacers win since 2017.
- This series is the first in 20 years without luxury tax teams in the Finals.
Strategies and key tactics
The Oklahoma City Thunder lean on their league-best defense to neutralize the Pacers’ quick offense. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drives an efficient attack, averaging 120.5 points per game, while Luguentz Dort and Jalen Williams disrupt passing lanes. OKC’s ability to collapse the paint without losing wing pressure is a strength. The Pacers counter with fast transitions, led by Haliburton, and rely on Pascal Siakam’s interior presence. The battle between point guards and three-point shooting accuracy will be decisive.
Atmosphere in the cities
Oklahoma City buzzes with excitement, with Thunder flags lining streets and spots like The Skirvin Hilton offering fan specials. In Indianapolis, known as the U.S. “basketball capital,” fans fill fan zones and eateries decked in the Pacers’ blue and yellow. The budding rivalry fuels energy in both cities, setting the stage for an unforgettable series.
Predictions for game 1
Experts see the Oklahoma City Thunder as favorites for game 1, bolstered by a 35-6 home record in the regular season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring, potentially nearing 40 points, and a stout defense are key edges. The Pacers, however, could surprise, with Tyrese Haliburton’s pace and team play. A close game is likely, with home-court advantage possibly tipping the scales.
