2025 NBA Finals Game 6 Preview: Oklahoma City vs. Indiana: Can the Pacers extend the series? June 19, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

The Oklahoma City Thunder, holding a commanding 3-2 series lead, are on the brink of capturing their inaugural NBA championship as they prepare to face the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals. This pivotal matchup is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 8:30 PM EDT, emanating from the electric atmosphere of Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. For the Pacers, this represents their first do-or-die elimination game of the entire 2025 NBA playoffs, setting the stage for an intense and high-stakes battle.

Game Overview and Series Dynamics

The Oklahoma City Thunder, having navigated a dominant regular season to emerge as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, are now poised to complete their championship quest against the Indiana Pacers, the No. 4 seed from the Eastern Conference. The Thunder's 120-109 victory in Game 5 on Monday propelled them to their 3-2 series advantage, putting them just one win away from sealing the title. This series has been a seesaw affair, beginning on June 5, 2025, with a narrow 111-110 victory for the Pacers in Game 1, immediately signaling that this would be a tightly contested championship showdown. Each of the five games played thus far has showcased distinct offensive explosions and defensive stands, highlighting the tactical adjustments and resilience of both teams.

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 6.5 points, with a money line of -250.
• The Pacers are the underdogs by 6.5 points, with a money line of +207.
• The over/under is set at 221.5 points, with the Over at -110 and the Under at -110.

Key Player Matchups and Performance Analysis

Oklahoma City Thunder: Chasing History
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (MVP Frontrunner) - As the reigning NBA MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander has been the unequivocal engine of the Thunder's offense throughout the postseason, averaging an impressive 30.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.8 steals in 37.1 minutes per game. His MVP-caliber performance was again on full display in Game 5, where he recorded a crucial double-double with 31 points and 10 assists. His pursuit of becoming the first player since Stephen Curry in 2015 to win both the MVP award and an NBA title in the same season adds a compelling narrative layer to his already stellar postseason. His ability to penetrate defenses and consistently hit mid-range jumpers makes him nearly unstoppable.

Jalen Williams (Emerging Star)
Williams has truly blossomed into a legitimate second option for the Thunder, averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5 assists in 34.8 minutes per game this postseason. His offensive eruption in Game 5, where he posted a playoff career-high 40 points along with six rebounds and four assists, demonstrated his potential to carry the scoring load when needed. His versatility on both ends of the floor, coupled with his improving efficiency, makes him a crucial complementary piece to Gilgeous-Alexander.

Chet Holmgren (Defensive Anchor)
The rookie big man has seamlessly transitioned into the NBA, averaging 15.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game in the postseason. Holmgren's impact extends beyond the box score; his length and defensive instincts provide critical rim protection and disrupt opposing offenses. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting also adds another dimension to the Thunder's offensive spacing.

Isaiah Hartenstein (Pivotal Role Player)
Hartenstein's reinsertion into the starting lineup has been a strategic masterstroke by the Thunder's coaching staff. His exceptional screen-setting ability is instrumental in creating the driving lanes that Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams exploit, while his rebounding and defensive hustle provide invaluable support in the paint.

Indiana Pacers: Fighting for Survival

Tyrese Haliburton (Injury Cloud) - The All-NBA guard's performance has been central to the Pacers' success, averaging 17.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 9.1 assists in the postseason. However, his status for Game 6 is under a significant cloud due to a right calf strain, an injury that visibly hampered him in Game 5, limiting him to a mere four points. His health and ability to impact the game will be the single most important factor for the Pacers' chances. If he is significantly limited or unable to play, Indiana's offensive rhythm and playmaking will suffer immensely.

Pascal Siakam (Consistent Force)
Siakam has been a rock-solid and consistent offensive threat for the Pacers throughout the Finals, averaging 21 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this postseason. In Game 5, he delivered a strong performance with 28 points, six rebounds, and five assists, often shouldering the offensive burden when Haliburton struggled. His veteran presence and ability to score inside and out will be vital in Game 6.

Myles Turner (Inside Presence)
Turner provides the Pacers with an important interior presence on both ends of the court, averaging 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game in the postseason. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, and his ability to knock down three-pointers provides valuable floor spacing. He contributed 13 points and six rebounds in Game 5.

Final Thoughts

From a strategic standpoint, the Thunder's defense has been paramount to their success. Their ability to force turnovers, as evidenced by the 23 turnovers in Game 5 leading to 32 points, has been a game-changer. Oklahoma City's improved 3-point shooting in Game 5, where they converted 14 of 32 attempts, also provides a significant offensive boost. For the Pacers, their resilience and formidable 36-14 home record at Gainbridge Fieldhouse offer a glimmer of hope. However, the absolute critical factor for Indiana will be the health and impact of Tyrese Haliburton. If he can overcome his calf injury and contribute effectively, alongside Pascal Siakam's continued strong play, the Pacers possess the capacity to extend the series to a decisive Game 7. Conversely, the Thunder's primary focus will be on sustaining their suffocating defensive pressure and maintaining the offensive rhythm of their dynamic duo, Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams, to close out the series.

2025 Comparative Oklahoma City vs. Indiana Postseason Stats

Oklahoma City Thunder	VS	Indiana Pacers
116.4	Points Per Game	115.5
43.9	Rebounds Per Game	40.1
23.5	Assists Per Game	27.0
10.9	Steals Per Game	7.8
11.3	Turnovers Per Game	13.3