2025 NBA Finals Game 3 Preview - Oklahoma City vs. Indiana: Can the Thunder regain homecourt advantage? June 10, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The 2025 NBA Finals resume on Wednesday, June 11, as the Oklahoma City Thunder head to Indianapolis to face the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for the pivotal Game 3. Tipoff is set for 8:30 PM EDT. With the best-of-seven series tied 1-1, this pivotal Game 3 marks a major turning point as the Pacers return home, hoping to harness their crowd energy and swing momentum in their favor.

Series Overview and Recent Performances

Oklahoma City enters Game 3 after finishing the regular season with an NBA-best 68-14 record, anchored by elite defense and a well-rounded offense. The Thunder bounced back from a Game 1 loss with a commanding 123-107 win in Game 2, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 34 points. Strong performances from Jalen Williams and rookie Chet Holmgren further emphasized their depth and dominance.

Meanwhile, the Pacers — who went 50-32 during the regular season — continue their Cinderella run. Indiana stunned the Thunder in Game 1 with a buzzer-beater from Tyrese Haliburton but struggled to keep pace in Game 2. Now back on home court, they will look to regain their rhythm and retake the series lead.

Oklahoma City vs. Indiana Sports Bet Odds

The Thunder are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Thunder are favored by 5.5 points, with a money line of -218.
• The Pacers are the underdogs by 5.5 points, with a money line of +185.
• The over/under is set at 228 points, with the Over at -115 and the Under at -105.

The Venue and Atmosphere

Game 3 will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a venue celebrated for its raucous and dedicated fan base. This marks the Pacers' first home game in the NBA Finals in 25 years, and local excitement is soaring. Ticket prices starting around $700 reflect the intense demand and anticipation for what promises to be a charged and unforgettable atmosphere.

Players to Watch

Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers)
Haliburton, who clinched Game 1 with a dramatic game-winner, remains the centerpiece of Indiana's offense. Although the Thunder's defense limited his impact in Game 2, he's expected to bounce back at home. Analysts project a more aggressive showing, with 17+ points and 8–10 assists anticipated as he looks to lead his team with poise and creativity.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder)
The reigning MVP is in top form, averaging 37.5 points per game against Indiana this season. His 34-point explosion in Game 2 showcased his ability to take over games. Gilgeous-Alexander's relentless drives and clutch scoring make him the engine of Oklahoma City's offense and a constant threat to Indiana's defense.

Key Supporting Cast
For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner will be vital in adding scoring punch and interior presence. On the Thunder's side, Jalen Williams and Alex Caruso provide essential contributions off the bench. Depth has already played a major role in shaping this series, and second-unit performance could once again determine the outcome.

Final Outlook

With the series deadlocked at 1-1, Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown. Indiana will lean on its home-court advantage and Haliburton's leadership, while the Thunder aim to ride their defensive momentum and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-level play.

Expect a fiercely contested battle with championship implications, as both teams look to gain the upper hand in their quest for a long-awaited NBA title. Fans can anticipate a thrilling night of basketball that may shape the rest of the Finals.

2025 Comparative Oklahoma City vs. Indiana Postseason Stats

Oklahoma City Thunder	VS	Indiana Pacers
117.0	Points Per Game	117.1
39.6	Rebounds Per Game	44.3
28.1	Assists Per Game	25.3
7.5	Steals Per Game	10.8
11.9	Turnovers Per Game	11.1