What appears to be an obvious mismatch on paper still sets up for an intriguing battle as the 2025 NBA Finals get underway on Thursday.
The No. 4-seeded Indiana Pacers completed a stunning run through an upset-filled Eastern Conference bracket to make their first appearance in the Finals since 2000, defeating the No. 3 New York Knicks in six games.
Meanwhile the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder rolled through the Western Conference, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games to reach the Finals for the first time since 2012.
Adding to the drama, neither franchise has won an NBA title in its current location. (The Thunder won it all in 1979, when they were the Seattle Supersonics.)
How to watch the NBA Finals
The 2025 NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV will air on ABC.
Fans can stream it on ESPN+, Fubo, and SlingTV.
Watch the NBA Finals with Fubo
2025 NBA Finals schedule
- Game 1: Pacers at Thunder (Thursday, June 5, 8:30 ET, ABC)
- Game 2: Pacers at Thunder (Sunday, June 8, 8 ET, ABC)
- Game 3: Thunder at Pacers (Wednesday, June 11, 8:30 ET, ABC)
- Game 4: Thunder at Pacers (Friday, June 13, 8:30 ET, ABC)
- Game 5: Pacers at Thunder, (Monday, June 16, 8:30 ET, ABC)*
- Game 6: Thunder at Pacers (Thursday, June 19, 8:30 ET, ABC)*
- Game 7: Pacers at Thunder, Sunday, June 22, 8 ET on ABC)*
The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports’ newsletter.