The 2025 NBA Finals will be an epic clash between two of the league's youngest teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. This postseason, history will be made as the winner of the series will claim the first championship in their franchise’s history (the Pacers won three ABA titles in the 1970s, and the Thunder, formerly the Seattle SuperSonics, won one NBA title in 1979).

Each squad’s ascent into the Finals is a testament to the true parity in the league and a result of teams in smaller markets generating success through shrewd trades, understanding the complexities of the salary cap, effective scouting, and making excellent draft picks.

Featuring some of the NBA’s most exciting young players, two great coaches, and the injection of new blood in the Finals proves that the future of the league is brighter than ever.

The Teams

After a 68-win season, the Thunder enter the Finals as heavy favorites with a deep, versatile squad and the league’s most ferocious defense. Led by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, eliminated the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the Western Conference Finals, displayed their toughness and maturity against the Denver Nuggets in seven games in the second round, and swept the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. At 40 years old, coach Mark Daigneault has become one of the league's best coaches.  Along with Jaylen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Lou Dort, and arguably the best bench in the league, the Thunder are coming into the Finals filled with confidence that they are four wins away from the ultimate prize.

If ever there was a “Cinderella story” in the NBA playoffs, it would be the Pacers. As the No. 4 seed in the East and winning 50 regular-season games, the Pacers were underdogs in each of their series. But that didn’t stop them as they took out the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round, upset the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round, and eliminated the New York Knicks to reach the Finals. Led by the underrated Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, the Pacers play at a rapid pace, have elite 3-point shooting, and have a championship-winning coach in Rick Carlisle. If any team can pull off an upset, it would be the Pacers.

The Stars

Arguably the most unique offensive player in the NBA, Gilgeous-Alexander is a throwback. Instead of chucking up 3 pointers and acrobatic dunks, the league MVP has an elite mid-range game and the innate ability to get to the foul line. At 26 years old, the Toronto native is just entering his prime, and the timing is perfect for the world to witness his on-court greatness. In 16 playoff games, SGA is averaging 29.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds.

In April, Haliburtion was voted the most overrated player in the league. Now he’s playing the NBA Finals. Also a throwback player, Haliburtion is a playmaking guard who gets his team involved and rarely turns the ball over. But don’t get it twisted, Halliburton is one of the best clutch players in the league and can turn into an offensive juggernaut with his long-range 3-point shooting. This playoff run, Halliburton is averaging 18.8 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.7 rebounds in 16 games in the 2025 playoffs.

The Storylines

For several years, the playoffs have been dominated by the names LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. This season follows the last few years of up-and-coming teams that are not waiting for the time: They are claiming it right now. The Thunder and Pacers don’t represent the most significant corridors of the league, but they embody what competent franchises look like. With other teams firing head coaches and making head-scratching trades, the Thunder and Pacers’ success is a testament to their commitment to excellence.

If you are a casual basketball observer, allow BET Sports to introduce you to two of the league's emerging superstars, in Gilgeous-Alexander and Haliburton.

The Prediction

OKC’s suffocating defense and team depth will eventually prove to be too much for the Pacers to overcome. Without question, the Pacers will put up a valiant fight but ultimately come up short. This season is destined for SGA to solidify himself as the best wing player in the game on his way to becoming an all-time great by bringing OKC its first championship. 

Thunder in six.

The 2025 NBA Finals are scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 5, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on ABC.