The 2025 NBA Finals stage is officially set. The Oklahoma City Thunder have stormed through the Western Conference to claim their first Finals appearance since 2012. On the other side, the Indiana Pacers have ended a two-decade-long drought by punching their ticket from the Eastern Conference against the New York Knicks.
Both teams have defied preseason expectations, but only one will raise the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy. According to oddsmakers, the Thunder are in a commanding position to do just that.
Following their dominant playoff run, Oklahoma City has become the overwhelming favorite to win the championship. At BetMGM, the Thunder are listed with -700 odds. On the other hand, the Pacers enter the series as significant underdogs with +500 odds.
Odds to win NBA Championship at @BetMGM
— John Ewing (@johnewing) June 1, 2025
▪️ Thunder -700
▪️ Pacers +500
Since 1985, 13 teams entered the Finals with -400 or better odds per @SOHistory.
12 of those teams won the title (2004 Lakers only loss). pic.twitter.com/WTAOQgmlur
History, too, favors Oklahoma City. Since 1985, 13 teams have entered the Finals with -400 or better odds to win the title. Of those, 12 went on to capture the championship. The only exception was the 2004 Los Angeles Lakers, whose star-studded roster fell short against the Detroit Pistons.
The disparity reflects both the Thunder’s consistency throughout the season and the strength of their young core. Despite the odds, the Indiana Pacers arrive at the Finals with undeniable talent. They’ve shocked the East by defeating both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Knicks. Hence, this prediction might go wrong as well.
2025 NBA Finals Schedule Officially Set
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The full schedule for the 2025 NBA Finals series has now been released. The action begins on Thursday, June 5, with all games airing live on ABC. Oklahoma City will host Games 1 and 2.
Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday. The series then shifts to Indiana for Games 3 and 4. The Pacers will host the Thunder at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday, June 11, and Friday, June 13.
The 2025 NBA Finals schedule: pic.twitter.com/fQ3hJMutrA
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) June 1, 2025
If necessary, Game 5 will return to Oklahoma City on Monday, June 16, followed by a potential Game 6 in Indiana on Thursday, June 19. Game 7, should it be needed, would take place on Sunday, June 22, back in Oklahoma City. Fans can expect a thrilling series as these two young, hungry squads chase the ultimate prize.
Also Read: Reggie Miller Reposted Savage Message Aimed At New York Knicks Fans Following Game 6
