This Friday night, June 13, 2025, promises intense excitement at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, where the Indiana Pacers face the Oklahoma City Thunder in game 4 of the NBA finals at 9:30 PM (Brasília time). With the series led by the Pacers 2-1, the matchup is crucial in determining the path to the title, a first for both franchises. The game, broadcast live on multiple platforms, features stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, led by coaches Rick Carlisle and Mark Daigneault. The local crowd, with sold-out tickets, creates an electric atmosphere, while the weather forecast indicates favorable conditions for fans.
Indianapolis is experiencing a historic moment, hosting its first NBA finals in 25 years, since facing the Lakers in 2000. The clash between Pacers and Thunder highlights contrasting playing styles: the Pacers’ fast-paced offense against the Thunder’s solid defense.
Key points make this game unmissable:
- Recent rivalry, with split wins in the regular season.
- Haliburton’s performance, aiming to break through the Thunder’s tight defense.
- Pressure on the Thunder to avoid falling further behind in the series.
Game 4 is a pivotal chapter in a series marked by comebacks and standout individual performances, promising to keep fans glued to their screens.
Live broadcast and available platforms
Brazilian fans have several options to follow game 4 of the NBA finals. The game will be broadcast live on Band, free-to-air TV, with vibrant narration by Rômulo Mendonça. On pay TV, ESPN 2 airs the matchup with expert commentary. For streaming, Disney+ offers high-quality visuals, while NBA League Pass provides narration in Portuguese and English, plus replays and real-time stats.
Bars and restaurants in cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte are expected to draw crowds, creating a festive vibe. The growing popularity of basketball in Brazil is evident: NBA League Pass reported a 20% surge in viewership during the 2025 playoffs, especially for the finals.
Probable lineups for the matchup
Both teams are expected to stick with their starting lineups, barring last-minute issues. The Indiana Pacers, coached by Rick Carlisle, rely on speed and versatility. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Mark Daigneault, focus on robust defense and their star’s talent.
Probable lineups:
- Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner.
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein.
The Pacers are monitoring Haliburton’s condition after minor muscle discomfort, but he is expected to play. Isaiah Jackson remains out with an Achilles injury. For the Thunder, Adam Flagler, Nikola Topic, and Alex Ducas are confirmed absences, while Alex Caruso’s participation is uncertain.
Standout players on the court
Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers’ playmaker, has been pivotal, averaging 9.2 assists per game in the playoffs. His court vision and clutch decision-making are essential. Pascal Siakam, the Eastern Conference MVP, contributes 22 points and 8 rebounds per game, dominating in the paint.
For the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the regular-season MVP, leads with 34 points per game, plus rebounds and assists. Jalen Williams, the second scoring option, shines in clutch moments, while Isaiah Hartenstein battles Myles Turner in a critical rebounding duel.
Head-to-head history
Recent matchups between Pacers and Thunder show balance, with a slight edge for Oklahoma. In 35 NBA games, the Pacers have 18 wins, and the Thunder have 17. In the 2024-25 regular season, the Thunder won both games, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 45 and 33 points.
Finals games reinforce this rivalry:
- Game 1 (06/05): Pacers 111 x 110 Thunder, with a dramatic last-second comeback.
- Game 2 (06/08): Thunder 123 x 107 Pacers, with defensive dominance.
- Game 3 (06/11): Pacers 116 x 107 Thunder, with a strong fourth quarter.
These results point to tight games, with individual brilliance and tactical adjustments shaping the outcomes.
Recent results for each team
The last five games for each team reflect their current form:
- Indiana Pacers:
- Win vs Thunder (116 x 107, 06/11).
- Loss vs Thunder (107 x 123, 06/08).
- Win vs Thunder (111 x 110, 06/05).
- Win vs Knicks (overtime, Eastern Conference finals).
- Loss vs Knicks (Eastern Conference finals).
- Oklahoma City Thunder:
- Loss vs Pacers (107 x 116, 06/11).
- Win vs Pacers (123 x 107, 06/08).
- Loss vs Pacers (110 x 111, 06/05).
- Win vs Timberwolves (playoffs, 4-1).
- Win vs Nuggets (playoffs, 4-3).
The Thunder’s consistency contrasts with the Pacers’ resilience, especially at home.
Stadium atmosphere and tickets
Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with a capacity of 17,923, is sold out for game 4. Secondary market tickets range from $80 for upper seats to $700 for courtside areas. The Pacers’ passionate fanbase is set to create a hostile environment for the Thunder. Indianapolis is adorned with team flags, and vendors sell Haliburton and Siakam jerseys, amplifying the finals fever.
The city is buzzing, with packed bars and giant screens in public squares. The last finals in Indianapolis, in 2000, remain vivid for fans dreaming of the franchise’s first title.
Weather forecast for the game
The forecast for Indianapolis on June 13 predicts pleasant weather, with temperatures between 18°C and 22°C at 9:30 PM (local time). Partly cloudy skies, 50% humidity, and light winds up to 8 km/h are expected. No rain is forecast, ensuring a smooth experience for fans heading to the arena or gathering in outdoor fan zones.
Referees assigned for the game
The NBA appointed an experienced trio for game 4. Scott Foster, known for his strict calls, will be the lead referee, assisted by Lauren Holtkamp and Ed Malloy. The Replay Center will be active for reviews, ensuring accuracy in controversial calls. Foster’s history with these teams suggests a tightly officiated game.
Intriguing facts about the matchup
Game 4 brings details that heighten anticipation:
- This is the second NBA finals for both franchises: the Thunder were runners-up in 2012, and the Pacers lost in 2000.
- Haliburton, despite being called “overrated” by some peers, led the Pacers to the Eastern Conference finals.
- Mark Daigneault, Thunder coach, was named the 2024-25 Coach of the Year, one of the league’s youngest.
- The tactical duel between Carlisle and Daigneault has been a highlight, with constant strategic tweaks.
Predictions for game 4
Betting sites favor the Thunder, with odds of 1.41 against 2.84 for the Pacers, per Betnacional. The Thunder’s strong starts, as seen in game 2, are a key factor. However, the Pacers’ home strength, fueled by the crowd and Haliburton’s leadership, suggests a close contest. Experts predict a game decided in the final minutes, with the matchup between Gilgeous-Alexander and the Pacers’ defense as a focal point.
Coaches in the spotlight
Rick Carlisle, Pacers coach, is a veteran with finals experience, having won a title with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. His in-game adjustments are critical. Mark Daigneault, Thunder coach, represents the new generation, with a data-driven, fast-transition approach. Their tactical battle is a highlight of the series.
Top scorers for each team
The leading scorers have shone brightly:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder): 34 points per game in the playoffs, with standout performances.
- Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers): 20 points and 9.2 assists per game, the team’s playmaking hub.
- Pascal Siakam (Pacers): 22 points per game, with versatile scoring.
- Jalen Williams (Thunder): 18 points per game, stepping up in clutch moments.
These players are poised to shape the outcome of game 4, with performances that could shift the series’ momentum.