The night of June 16, 2025, will feature an electrifying showdown at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, where the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. With the series tied at 2-2, the game, starting at 8:00 PM (Brasília time), promises to shape the path to the title, a first for both franchises. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Haliburton, the teams arrive with refined strategies and the pressure to win at home, in the Thunder’s case. Live broadcasts will be available on multiple platforms, while fans pack the arena in a festive atmosphere. This matchup brings together talent, rivalry, and the anticipation of high-level basketball, with Oklahoma City buzzing.
The Paycom Center, with a capacity of 18,203 fans, will be completely sold out, with tickets gone days before the game. The city’s atmosphere reflects the moment’s significance, with bars and restaurants hosting public viewings for fans. The rivalry between Thunder and Pacers, though recent, has intensified with closely contested games and standout performances from their stars. The game also marks a historic moment for the Thunder, seeking their first championship since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008.
- Key game highlights: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 34 points in the playoffs, faces Tyrese Haliburton, the assist leader.
- Home advantage: The Thunder have a 75% win rate at the Paycom Center this season.
- History: The series is tied, with each team winning one home and one away game.
- Officiating: Scott Foster, known for his strict calls, leads the referee crew.
The weather forecast for Oklahoma City indicates mild conditions, with temperatures between 22°C and 25°C, ideal for fans attending the game at the arena or outdoor venues.
Live broadcast and available platforms
Basketball fans in Brazil can watch Game 5 of the NBA Finals through various broadcast options. ESPN and Disney+ will air the game live, with Portuguese narration and pre-game coverage starting at 7:30 PM. The NBA League Pass, the league’s official service, also offers the matchup with multiple camera angles, real-time stats, and English narration options. Another option is Amazon Prime Video, streaming the game in high quality, compatible with smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Bars and restaurants in cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Belo Horizonte are expected to draw crowds, creating a vibrant atmosphere for fans. Basketball’s popularity in Brazil continues to rise, with the NBA League Pass reporting a 20% increase in access during the 2025 playoffs.
Probable lineups for the matchup
The Oklahoma City Thunder, coached by Mark Daigneault, are expected to stick with their starting lineup, blending youth and versatility. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads the offense, while Chet Holmgren dominates the paint. For the Indiana Pacers, Rick Carlisle relies on Tyrese Haliburton’s speed and Pascal Siakam’s consistency. The lineups, based on recent games, are:
- Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (point guard), Luguentz Dort (shooting guard), Jalen Williams (small forward), Chet Holmgren (power forward), Isaiah Hartenstein (center).
- Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton (point guard), Andrew Nembhard (shooting guard), Aaron Nesmith (small forward), Pascal Siakam (power forward), Myles Turner (center).
Both teams have no confirmed injuries, but tactical adjustments may occur before tip-off, depending on the coaches’ strategies. Daigneault, named the 2024-25 Coach of the Year, excels with quick rotations, while Carlisle, with his experience, focuses on exploiting offensive mismatches.
Top scorers in the series
The leading scorers for Thunder and Pacers have shone in the playoffs, setting the series’ tempo. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 34 points per game, is the Thunder’s primary offensive weapon, combining accurate shooting and drives to the basket. Jalen Williams, with 18 points per game, emerges as a reliable second option. For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton, with 20 points and 9.2 assists, orchestrates the offense, while Pascal Siakam, averaging 22 points, provides versatility. The battle in the paint between Chet Holmgren and Myles Turner will also be crucial, especially for defensive rebounds.
Head-to-head history
The matchup between Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers in the NBA Finals is a first, but the teams have faced off in notable regular-season games. In the last five meetings, the Thunder hold the edge with three wins. Their most recent clash, in March 2025, ended with a 124-110 Thunder victory, powered by a stellar performance from Gilgeous-Alexander. However, the Pacers have shown resilience in the series, winning Game 1 on the road, highlighting the matchup’s balance. The tactical rivalry between coaches Mark Daigneault and Rick Carlisle has been a highlight, with constant adjustments keeping games unpredictable.
Recent team results
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Game 5 with a strong playoff run, having eliminated the Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets before facing the Pacers. In their last five games, including playoffs and regular season, the Thunder won four, including a 111-104 victory in Game 4 against the Pacers. The Indiana Pacers, who surprised by reaching the Finals after defeating the Knicks and Bucks, won three of their last five games, including a crucial 116-107 win in Game 3. The Thunder’s defensive consistency, allowing an average of 104.9 points per game, contrasts with the Pacers’ fast-paced offense, which leads the league in transition points.
Fun facts about the matchup
Game 5 brings details that heighten fan excitement and underscore the matchup’s significance:
- This is the second NBA Finals appearance for both franchises: the Thunder were runners-up in 2012, and the Pacers lost in 2000.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander surpassed Kevin Durant as the Thunder’s all-time leading playoff scorer in a single season.
- Tyrese Haliburton was voted the most “overrated” player by some NBA peers, yet his leadership guided the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals.
- The Paycom Center hasn’t seen a Thunder loss to the Pacers since 2017.
These elements add to the narrative of a historic clash, with young stars aiming to make their mark in the league.
Weather forecast for Oklahoma City
The forecast for June 16 in Oklahoma City indicates favorable conditions for the game. Temperatures are expected to range between 22°C and 25°C at 8:00 PM, with partly cloudy skies and relative humidity around 55%. Light winds, up to 10 km/h, and no rain create an ideal setting for fans at the Paycom Center and outdoor venues like bars and public screens. The festive atmosphere in the city, with Thunder flags displayed everywhere, reflects the excitement for the matchup.
Officiating crew for the game
The NBA assigned an experienced trio to officiate Game 5. Scott Foster, the lead referee, will be joined by Lauren Holtkamp and Ed Malloy. Known for his firmness in controversial calls, Foster has officiated intense Thunder-Pacers games, ensuring accurate decisions. The Replay Center will be active for reviews, especially in physical battles in the paint between Holmgren and Turner. The choice of this crew reflects the game’s importance, with the league prioritizing top-tier officiating to maintain game flow.
Tickets and atmosphere at Paycom Center
Tickets for Game 5 at the Paycom Center are sold out, with secondary market prices ranging from $80 for upper-level seats to $700 for courtside areas. Luxury suites reach up to $2,500. The Thunder’s fanbase, known for making the arena one of the loudest in the NBA, is expected to create a hostile environment for the Pacers. Oklahoma City is fully mobilized for the event, with bars like The Skirvin Hilton offering fan promotions. The city is buzzing, with Thunder flags and vendors selling Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren jerseys.
Predictions for the matchup
Analysts slightly favor the Oklahoma City Thunder, citing their home advantage and strong defensive performance. Their average of 104.9 points allowed per game gives them an edge in tight games. However, the Pacers, with their efficiency in three-point shooting and transition plays, could pull off an upset if Haliburton and Siakam maintain their form. The game’s key will be paint control, where Holmgren and Turner battle for rebounds, and each team’s ability to limit the opposing stars. Expectations point to a close game, decided in the final minutes.
