APThunder vs. Pacers Game 1: start time, channel, and live stream details
The 2025 NBA Finals tip off Thursday night as the Oklahoma City Thunder face the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 at Paycom Center. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ABC. Fans can also stream the game via fubo (free trial available).
The Thunder, led by NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, enter the Finals after an impressive postseason. They finished the regular season with a league-best 68 wins and hold a 12-4 record through the playoffs. Oklahoma City reached the Finals by defeating the defending champion Denver Nuggets in seven games and eliminating the Minnesota Timberwolves in five.
Also read: Orlando Magic reveal new logo and uniforms for 2025–26 NBA season
The Pacers, also 12-4 in the postseason, reached their first NBA Finals by overcoming higher-seeded opponents. Indiana beat the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round and outlasted the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. While they enter as underdogs, the Pacers have proven resilient throughout the playoffs.
Game 1 betting odds and predictions: spread, over/under, and prop picks
According to bet365, the Thunder are 9.5-point favorites for Game 1, with the over/under set at 230 total points. Oklahoma City has dominated at home during the postseason, winning eight of nine games and outscoring opponents by a combined 221 points. Only one of those victories was by single digits.
Given this performance, the spread reflects the Thunder’s strength on home court. Indiana, while competitive on the road, lost both of its away games this postseason by double digits. Oklahoma City’s home dominance and playoff momentum suggest a favorable outcome in Game 1. Pick: Thunder -9.5
Recent NBA Finals Game 1 matchups have trended toward low-scoring outcomes. The last five Game 1 point totals were 194, 183, 193, 203, and 199. With both teams fielding young rosters and neither having previous Finals experience, a slow start is likely. Oklahoma City also led the NBA in defensive efficiency during the regular season. Pick: Under 230
Also read: NBA finals preview: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - key matchups and predictions
A notable player prop to consider is Indiana forward Aaron Nesmith. The Thunder’s defense allows the most corner three-point attempts in the league. Nesmith attempted nearly 37% of his three-pointers from the corners, converting at a 47.2% clip. Oklahoma City’s aggressive perimeter defense may create open opportunities in this area. Pick: Nesmith Over 1.5 3-pointers.
The 2025 NBA Finals tip off Thursday night as the Oklahoma City Thunder face the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 at Paycom Center. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ABC. Fans can also stream the game via fubo (free trial available).
The Thunder, led by NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, enter the Finals after an impressive postseason. They finished the regular season with a league-best 68 wins and hold a 12-4 record through the playoffs. Oklahoma City reached the Finals by defeating the defending champion Denver Nuggets in seven games and eliminating the Minnesota Timberwolves in five.
Also read: Orlando Magic reveal new logo and uniforms for 2025–26 NBA season
The Pacers, also 12-4 in the postseason, reached their first NBA Finals by overcoming higher-seeded opponents. Indiana beat the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round and outlasted the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference finals. While they enter as underdogs, the Pacers have proven resilient throughout the playoffs.
Game 1 betting odds and predictions: spread, over/under, and prop picks
According to bet365, the Thunder are 9.5-point favorites for Game 1, with the over/under set at 230 total points. Oklahoma City has dominated at home during the postseason, winning eight of nine games and outscoring opponents by a combined 221 points. Only one of those victories was by single digits.
Given this performance, the spread reflects the Thunder’s strength on home court. Indiana, while competitive on the road, lost both of its away games this postseason by double digits. Oklahoma City’s home dominance and playoff momentum suggest a favorable outcome in Game 1. Pick: Thunder -9.5
Recent NBA Finals Game 1 matchups have trended toward low-scoring outcomes. The last five Game 1 point totals were 194, 183, 193, 203, and 199. With both teams fielding young rosters and neither having previous Finals experience, a slow start is likely. Oklahoma City also led the NBA in defensive efficiency during the regular season. Pick: Under 230
Also read: NBA finals preview: Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder - key matchups and predictions
A notable player prop to consider is Indiana forward Aaron Nesmith. The Thunder’s defense allows the most corner three-point attempts in the league. Nesmith attempted nearly 37% of his three-pointers from the corners, converting at a 47.2% clip. Oklahoma City’s aggressive perimeter defense may create open opportunities in this area. Pick: Nesmith Over 1.5 3-pointers.
(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)
Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates.
Read More News on
(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)
Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates.
