NBA Finals Game 1 Live Updates: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sparks Thunder vs. Pacers – Score & Highlights!

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NBA Finals Game 1 Live Updates: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sparks Thunder vs. Pacers – Score & Highlights!

The 2025 NBA Finals are set to start Thursday night, featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers in Game 1. This is an exciting matchup. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken the Thunder to the finals for the first time since 2012. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton has led the Pacers to their first finals appearance in 25 years after they eliminated the Knicks.

The Thunder are heavy favorites, with odds at -650 on DraftKings. They have the home advantage after winning a league-high 68 regular-season games. They’ve also had a week to rest after defeating the Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.

On the Pacers’ side, Haliburton has been on fire, averaging 21.2 points, 10.5 assists, and six rebounds in their series against the Knicks. His performance will be crucial as Indiana aims for its first NBA championship. The Pacers did win three ABA titles in the 1970s, and they hope this finals run will add another title to their history. The Thunder, on the other hand, last won a championship in 1979 while they were still the Seattle SuperSonics.

Game Details

  • Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
  • Date: Thursday, June 5
  • Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
  • TV Channel: ABC
  • Streaming: FuboTV (free trial available)
  • Odds: Thunder -9.5, O/U: 230

Expert Insight

Experts are weighing in on the potential impact of home-court advantage in the finals. According to a study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, home teams in the NBA win about 58% of the time. This statistic underscores the challenge the Pacers face when competing in Oklahoma City, where fans are known for their energetic support.

Social media has also been buzzing about this matchup. Fans are predicting a closely contested series, with debates over whether the Thunder’s experience or the Pacers’ underdog spirit will prevail. Many are rooting for Haliburton, who has gained a significant following on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

As we anticipate Game 1, both teams are gearing up for a thrilling start to the finals, each hoping to make history in their own right.



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