NBA Finals 2024/25: What to Expect, Where to Watch, and Title Favorites

It’s time for the most prestigious basketball championship in the world! The 2024/25 NBA Finals promise to be a spectacular show for basketball fans and, of course, Sports Betting enthusiasts.

On one side, the Oklahoma City Thunder arrives as one of the most consistent teams of the season. On the other, the Indiana Pacers have been the surprise package and now aim to defy the odds in pursuit of ultimate glory.

This Thursday, June 5th, the two teams begin their battle for the championship at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The series will feature up to seven games, with a potential Game 7 scheduled for June 22nd on the same court.

If you're wondering what to expect from the Finals, we've put together this guide with everything you need to know: how each team got here, the key players who could decide the title, historical head-to-head stats between the franchises, and who’s the favorite to win the coveted NBA ring. Plus, where to watch and how to responsibly place your bets. Let’s go!

Oklahoma City Thunder

NBA champions in 1979, the Oklahoma City Thunder could finally return to national glory — this time for the first time since changing their name from the Seattle SuperSonics. Coached by Mark Daigneault, the team boasts standouts like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren as they try to end a 26-year title drought.

Season Overview

The Thunder punched their ticket to the NBA Finals after an outstanding regular season: 68 wins and only 14 losses, plus a dominant performance in the Western Conference Playoffs. Led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who confirmed his status by winning the league’s top individual award, the team showed remarkable consistency.

They finished atop the standings and turned the Paycom Center into a fortress with a high-powered offense and the league’s best postseason defense.

The additions of Caruso and Hartenstein further solidified the Thunder, with both being praised as key to enhancing defensive consistency. The team’s youth has been an asset as well, giving them the energy to overcome experienced opponents.

In the Playoffs, OKC swept the Memphis Grizzlies 4-0, came back from behind to beat the Denver Nuggets 4-3, and clinched the West by defeating the surging Minnesota Timberwolves 4-1.

Their journey so far has been defined by adaptability and the rise of young talent under pressure, with a team-first mentality where everyone knows their role.

Key Players

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren lead the charge. Shai is the offensive engine, scoring and facilitating with finesse. Williams adds versatility and a reliable mid-range shot, while Holmgren anchors the defense with his length and contributes offensively, bringing balance and consistency to the squad.

Indiana Pacers

After 25 years, the Indiana Pacers are back on top of the Eastern Conference. Coached by Chad Buchanan, the Indianapolis-based franchise has made a surprise run to the Finals and is chasing its first-ever NBA title, led by Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, and Myles Turner.

Season Overview

The Pacers are the Cinderella story of the season, reaching the NBA Finals with a thrilling and unpredictable Eastern Conference run. Orchestrated by floor general Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana delivered the second-most efficient offense in the playoffs, breaking records and leaving defenders flustered.

Despite not being considered contenders at the start of the season, they’ve displayed outstanding cohesion and offensive firepower, hitting 33.6% of their three-pointers in the postseason.

In the NBA Playoffs, the Pacers overcame higher-seeded teams and pulled off stunning comebacks — demonstrating resilience and tactical flexibility. They beat the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers 4-1, then captured the East by defeating the New York Knicks 3-2, capitalizing on momentum and the hot form of their stars.

Key Players

Pascal Siakam, Tyrese Haliburton, and Myles Turner are the cornerstones. Siakam brings physicality and scoring presence, Haliburton directs the offense with sharp vision and three-point shooting, and Turner protects the rim while spacing the floor with his perimeter game. Together, they form a smart, versatile, and experienced trio capable of leading the Pacers to glory.

Thunder vs. Pacers’s Head-to-Head Record

Oklahoma City and Indiana have met 101 times in regular season play, with the Thunder leading 55 wins to 46. This marks their first-ever playoff matchup, as they play in different conferences.

During the 2024/25 season, the Thunder won both games against the Pacers: 120-114 in Indiana and 132-111 in OKC. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stood out, scoring 45 and 33 points, respectively. Haliburton struggled in the second game, scoring just 4 points.

Historically, Haliburton averages 12.7 points, 10.9 assists, and 4.1 rebounds in seven regular season games against the Thunder. OKC’s defense, particularly Lu Dort’s efforts, has been effective in limiting Haliburton’s impact — something that could play a crucial role in the 2025 NBA Finals.

Who’s the Favorite to Win the NBA 2024/25 Title?

The Oklahoma City Thunder are clear favorites to win the 2024/25 NBA Championship, with odds of 1.14 to claim the ring. Indiana Pacers are considered underdogs, priced at 5.8, and will need another big upset to win it all.

Who Will Be the NBA Finals 2024/25’s MVP?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the frontrunner for Finals MVP, with odds of 1.16, reflecting the Thunder’s strong favoritism. His main competitor is Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers, at 7.5 odds. Close behind is Pascal Siakam, also of Indiana, at 19.0.

Other potential MVP picks include Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, with respective odds of 31.0 and 76.0. Myles Turner of the Pacers rounds out the list at 151.0.

Where to Watch the NBA Finals 2024/25?

In Brazil, fans have multiple options to follow the NBA Finals. ESPN holds exclusive rights for cable TV, while Bandeirantes will broadcast the entire series on free-to-air TV in partnership with Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, the NBA League Pass subscription service offers access to all postseason games.

Bet on the NBA Finals 2024/25 at Blaze!

The adrenaline of the NBA Finals is already underway! Analyze the matchups, trust your predictions, and experience every game with Blaze. Always remember to bet responsibly — sports betting is not an investment or a source of income, just a form of entertainment.

Never use money meant for bills or essentials, as there's no way to guarantee a bet’s outcome. The risks to your mental and financial health are real, and that’s why responsibility is your best ally for a fun, safe, and rewarding experience.

Ready to enjoy the best basketball in the world? Bet on the NBA Finals 2024/25 at Blaze — and good luck!