2025 NBA Finals Game 7 Prediction

I don’t think anyone saw this series going seven games. Now that we’re here, I think all basketball fans, except maybe Thunder fans, are feeling utter euphoria.

One game. Do or die. Who has saved their best for last?

What do the Thunder need to do to win Game 7?

They’ve been doing this all series, so I don’t expect this to change, but the Thunder need to move the ball. Only 14 assists and 21 turnovers is inexcusable, especially in a closeout game. It felt like the Thunder would pass the ball once or twice and then whoever caught it after the second pass would go one on one and pretend passing was no longer an option. There were moments where the possession would start with Shai or J-Dub and the ball would not be moved once.

OKC needs to win the offensive rebounding matchup, or at least limit Indiana’s offensive rebounding. In Game 6, the Pacers looked like the more desperate team, reasonably so. However, OKC can’t allow themselves to be outhustled if they want any chance of winning on Sunday. If the stakes weren’t already enough motivation, I’m sure the home crowd will fuel their team.

Shai and J-Dub just need to have decent games. I don’t believe either Shai or J-Dub need to score 30-40 for the Thunder to pull out this win. Instead, if they limit their turnovers and can give 20+ points each, then the Thunder will be in great shape to win Game 7.

What do the Pacers need to do to win Game 7?

Aside from the Game 1 signature miracle that has defined the Pacers’ entire playoff run, turnovers literally make or break the Pacers. On the road in this series, the Pacers average a whopping 20.3 turnovers a game. At home, the Pacers average only 12.6 turnovers. There is clearly a correlation between the Pacers’ turnovers and their chances of winning.

The Pacers need to keep using their depth to their advantage. Rick Carlisle has done a masterful job at giving his bench players confidence and consistent roles in this series. The depth truly shows when the Pacer guards are pressing the Thunder 94 feet. One last team effort is all they need.

Who is going to win Game 7?

I think the Thunder are going to win the championship. Why? Because they have home court advantage.

Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons