NBA Finals Game 7 Predictions for 2025
With their backs to the wall, the Pacers force a decisive victory in NBA final Game 7.
The Indiana Pacers stepped up to the plate in Thursday’s elimination game, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 108-91 to secure their spot in Game 7 of the NBA Finals game 7.
Furthermore, the Pacers’ dominance isn’t even adequately conveyed by the final score.
Tyrese Haliburton, who played through a calf injury, was one of five players from Indiana who scored in double figures, led by Obi Toppin’s 20 points off the bench.
By halftime, the Pacers had a commanding 22-point advantage thanks to a combination of balanced scoring and unrelenting defense. Before lengthy garbage time started in the fourth quarter, that lead grew to thirty.
In an attempt to maintain the momentum from Thursday night into the decisive match, Indiana will now travel to Oklahoma City for Game 7.
Can the Pacers defeat a squad that has been virtually invincible at home and pull off a huge upset? Or will the Thunder complete one of the NBA’s greatest incredible one-season runs?
Tyrese Haliburton Will Notch a Double-Double in NBA finals game 7
Tyrese Haliburton was a double-double machine during the regular season, frequently recording games with 31 points and ten or more assists. He had really recorded double-doubles in nine of his sixteen postseason games going into the Finals.
However, his performance has declined in this series against OKC, averaging only 14.8 points and 6.8 assists per contest. He only scored four points on six shots in Game 5. He has been playing despite a calf issue, which would have probably kept him out of action throughout the regular season, making things much more difficult.
Nevertheless, Haliburton has proven that he is suited for significant postseason moments. This postseason, he has scored 13 field goals in the fourth quarter or overtime that have either knotted the score or put Indiana ahead. Not to mention that he hit the game-winning hit in the first game of the series.
After just 23 minutes of action, Haliburton was able to recuperate because Indiana effectively eliminated him by halftime in Game 6.
For someone recovering from an injury, that is a huge thing. Haliburton may now regain the form that made him so difficult to guard—before OKC’s defence had a chance to adjust—with a little more time to recover and the high stakes of Game 7.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Will Return With More Than 35
in NBA finals game 7
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is definitely due for a comeback following Thursday’s off night, even though it may not exactly suit the “bold” description in the slideshow’s title.
In Game 6, SGA was limited to just 21 points and forced eight turnovers by Indiana’s swarming defence and Andrew Nembhard’s constant pressure (with some assistance from Aaron Nesmith).
To put that in context, he only missed three games in the regular season where he did not score at least 22 points. Only three.
And in the games that took place after those infrequent nights off? He scored 31.7 points on average. Therefore, it’s quite improbable that the Pacers will be able to stop him in consecutive games.
Gilgeous-Alexander, like Haliburton, is acutely aware of the significance of the occasion in Game 7. An even more explosive response than regular-season comebacks could be fuelled by that sense of urgency.
He should be active right away, seeking his shot, frequently reaching the free-throw line, and perhaps scoring more than 30 points by the last buzzer.
In the meantime, seven Indiana players are anticipated to score in double figures.
Seven players from Indiana will be in double figures
in NBA finals game 7.
Perhaps this distinctive Pacers team’s greatest asset this season has been its depth.
Obi Toppin (9.8 PPG) and T.J. McConnell (9.2 PPG) are both very close to become one of the six players that average double figures in the playoffs.
Seven different players have scored at least 20 points in a game at one time during this postseason run. And now all seven have done it more than once, with Toppin hitting that milestone on Thursday.
The reason Indiana is so hard to guard is because of its degree of unpredictability, where defenders never know who the scoring danger will be. Additionally, anticipate a relentless offensive onslaught from the Pacers in Game 7 on Sunday, driven by consistent player and ball movement.
It’s very likely that at least seven Pacers will score in double figures as a result.
Obviously, the starting five are Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam (Indiana’s top scorer this postseason), and Tyrese Haliburton. They are also anticipated to be joined in the double-digit club by at least two of Obi Toppin, T.J. McConnell, or Bennedict Mathurin.
OKC Will Shoot Better at Home
This is just another prediction that may not seem very daring, but it’s difficult to imagine OKC shooting as badly as they did in Game 6.
The Thunder’s road three-point percentage in the Finals dropped to a poor 30.9% on Thursday after they only made eight of thirty three-pointers. In Indiana, even their three best weapons—SGA, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren—shot only three out of twenty-seven.
It was obvious that OKC was having trouble finding their groove at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, whether it was due to nerves, the fervour of the Pacers’ crowd, Indiana’s formidable defence, bad luck, or a combination of the four.
They have, however, been much more effective at home, hitting 39.8% from beyond the arc in Oklahoma City.
Therefore, the Thunder may feel more at ease and confident to make more three-pointers and take more long-range shots in Game 7 even if Indiana applies the same level of defensive pressure.
The Pacers, however, will accomplish the (seemingly) impossible.
Actually, Oklahoma City is 8.5 points to win Game 7, so picking them to win isn’t all that bold.
And because some of the earlier forecasts have already somewhat pushed the envelope, let’s take it a step farther of nba finals game 7.
Thanks to Haliburton’s outstanding playmaking, Indiana’s balanced scoring, and another outstanding performance by Pascal Siakam, the Pacers will win their first-ever NBA finals game 7 Championship on Sunday.
The dynamic forward for Indiana scored 16 points on 14 shots on Thursday, but he was largely restrained. However, he had been averaging 23.0 points over the last three games and had appeared to be OKC’s most difficult opponent for the majority of this series.
Siakam, a quintessential “tweener,” has shown himself to be too swift for Isaiah Hartenstein and a little too strong for Chet Holmgren.
Remember that Siakam has championship experience, which is something that most of his teammates do not have. After helping the Toronto Raptors win it all in 2019, he already understands what it takes to make it all the way.
His adaptability and prior experience may be the key factors that elevate Indiana to the top. And he could win the Finals MVP award if everything goes according to plan.