NBA finals 2025 predictions: will the Pacers shock the Thunder? Our writers share their picks

Will it be Oklahoma City or Indiana? Our contributors pick the winner, key players and dark horses before the season's grand finale tips off Thursday night

The Thunder's path to victory is to continue to be the most fearsome defensive unit we've seen in recent years. They play an uber-aggressive, hyper-switchable form of defense that has suffocated opponents all year long. It means they give up a lot of fouls, but they also get away with a bunch and force turnovers more than anyone else in the league. Keep that up and, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting his customary 32 points a night, they won't be stopped. Ryan Baldi