🏀2025 NBA Finals Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Indiana Pacers Game 7 - The Championship Game🏆

This is it. The final chapter of a historic NBA season comes down to a winner-take-all showdown in Oklahoma City. For the first time ever, the Indiana Pacers are just 48 minutes away from claiming the franchise’s first NBA title. But standing in their way is a hungry, battle-tested OKC squad, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, determined to bring the Larry O’Brien trophy back to the Sooner State.

This marks the first NBA Finals Game 7 since 2016, and like that Cavaliers-Warriors classic, it could come down to one play, one stop, one star stepping up when it matters most.

🔐 Defensive Identity Sets the Tone

Game 6 wasn’t just a win for Indiana - it was a statement. The Pacers held OKC to a postseason-low 91 points, suffocating Shai with aggressive traps and help rotations that forced 21 turnovers and completely derailed the Thunder’s rhythm. Indiana didn’t shoot particularly well (41% FG), but the defensive clamps gave them margin to operate - and they used it.

Expect more of the same Sunday: traps on Shai early, rotations designed to force Dort and Holmgren into tough looks, and a physical brand of basketball that tests OKC’s composure.

🔄 Turnovers = Series Barometer

No stat has defined this Finals more than turnovers. Indiana has coughed up the ball 20+ times in each of its three losses, compared to just 11.5 turnovers per game in its last two wins. Game 1 was the outlier, where Indiana survived a 25-turnover mess to steal one on the road - but that margin isn’t sustainable.

The Thunder’s offense thrives in chaos. If Indiana plays clean, they control the tempo. If not, OKC’s transition game takes over.

🩹 Haliburton’s Health, the X-Factor

Tyrese Haliburton’s strained right calf could be the biggest swing factor in Game 7. He played just 23 minutes in Game 6 but still posted 14 points and 5 assists. With an extra two days of rest, the hope is that Haliburton can push closer to his usual 35-minute workload - and bring back his signature tempo-pushing, pass-first spark.

Coach Rick Carlisle played it smart by easing him in last game. Now, the leash comes off.

🧮 Key Matchups

• SGA vs. Indiana’s doubles: Can OKC’s role players capitalize if Indiana blitzes Shai again?
• Rebounding and Bench Scoring: Indiana dominated both in Game 6. Obi Toppin led a 6-man double-figure scoring effort. Can OKC match that depth?
• Transition Defense: Whichever team limits live-ball turnovers could dictate the pace.

📋 Game 7 Probables & Injuries

Pacers Starters: Haliburton, Nembhard, Nesmith, Siakam, Turner
Thunder Starters: Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort, Jalen Williams, Holmgren, Hartenstein

Injury Report:

• Pacers: Isaiah Jackson (Achilles), Jarace Walker (ankle) - both OUT
• Thunder: Nikola Topic (ACL) - OUT

🧠 Did You Know?

• This is Indiana’s first-ever trip to Game 7 of the Finals.
• The Pacers are 4-6 all-time in Game 7s, with just one home Game 7 in franchise history.
• Indiana is 7-4 on the road this postseason — battle-tested, and not afraid of the moment.

🔥 Game 7 Best Bets: Pacers vs. Thunder

Let’s break down the top value plays for the biggest game of the year. Six picks, all backed by trends, matchups, and Game 7 intensity. Odds as listed:

🟨 Pacers +7.5 @ $1.86

The Thunder have looked dominant at times this series, but Indiana has shown resilience on the road with a 7-4 playoff record away from home. Game 6 was a blowout, and the Pacers’ defensive blueprint is working. With Haliburton’s health trending up and bench depth clicking, +7.5 is too much cushion to ignore in a Game 7, which is expected to be tight and possession-heavy.

🔼 Total Points – OVER 214.5 @ $1.81

Five of the six games in this series have landed near or above this number. With both teams expected to tighten their rotations and lean on starters for extended minutes, efficiency often rises late in the series. Add in the potential for late free throws and a close finish, and the Over has quiet confidence.

❄️ Chet Holmgren – UNDER 15.5 Points @ $1.87

Holmgren has struggled with physicality in the paint and has gone under this number in three of the last four games. Indiana’s length has made life tough, and in a Game 7 setting, where stars take over, Chet might take a step back in the shot hierarchy. Value on the under.

🎯 Tyrese Haliburton – OVER 6.5 Assists @ $1.72

Despite the calf injury, Haliburton posted 5 assists in just 23 minutes in Game 6. Now expected to return to 30+ minutes, this number is simply too low for a player who was routinely projected for 9.5+ during the season. Role players converting open looks is key, and Indy will lean on Haliburton's playmaking in a high-leverage spot.

🛡️ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – OVER 1.5 Steals @ $1.80

SGA has quietly been a pest on the defensive end. He’s recorded 2+ steals in four of six Finals games, and with Indiana's high turnover potential (especially on the road), there's a great chance he hits this mark again. Game 7 defense is a different beast - and Shai shows up on both ends.

🔫 Myles Turner – OVER 1.5 3PM (Made Threes) @ $2.04

Turner’s floor spacing is a core part of Indiana’s game plan. He’s attempted 5+ threes in each of the last four games, hitting multiple in three of them. At better than 2-to-1 odds, this prop is dripping with value - especially if OKC sags off to protect the paint.

Place your Game 7 bets here!

🧩 Final Verdict

Oklahoma City just has to win this… right?

That’s been the sentiment heading into almost every game this series - and yet, here we are. The Pacers keep punching back. They’ve out-schemed, out-paced, and outlasted expectations, dragging this thing to the full seven.

Still, it feels like the script is written: OKC, on their home floor, closing out a magical season in front of a deafening crowd. But don’t expect a coronation - this won’t be easy. Indiana’s been too tough, too fast, and too fearless to go quietly.

So yes, the Thunder should win. But if we’ve learned anything from these Finals, it’s this: don’t underestimate the Pacers.

🧠 Level Up Your Crypto Game

New to the world of crypto wagering? We got you.

⬇️ Check out these onboarding guides to go from zero to sharp bettor with sats in your wallet:

🔐 How to Buy Crypto from an Exchange and Start Wagering Online → Here

💼 How to Set Up a Cryptocurrency Wallet for Online Wagering → Here

💸 This Is Your Shot

📲 CREATE YOUR SBX ACCOUNT NOW
🔥 Take your bets off centralized books and into the real game.
💰 Trust the process. Fade the noise. Win like a legend.

Let’s ride.