The 2025 NBA Finals will begin on Thursday evening at what should be a raucous Paycom Center, as the Thunder welcome in the Pacers for Game 1.
League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will get his first taste of the NBA Finals at just 26 years old. Gilgeous-Alexander helped Oklahoma City close out the Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals with a 34-point outing in Game 5.
SGA captured Western Conference Finals MVP honors, while Pascal Siakam won the Eastern Conference Finals MVP award for the high-octane Pacers. Siakam, an NBA champion with the Raptors in 2019, scored at least 30 points in three of the six games against the Knicks.
The series will highlight an intriguing contrast of styles. Indiana’s offense, led by Tyrese Haliburton, excels in transition. Oklahoma City has a physical, suffocating defense that covers the floor as well as any unit in the NBA.
Here’s what you need to know about Thursday’s matchup between the Thunder and Pacers, including TV and streaming options for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
What channel is Thunder vs. Pacers on today?
- TV channel: ABC
- Live stream: Sling
Game 1 of the series between the Thunder and Pacers will air live on ABC. Mike Breen (play-by-play announcer), Doris Burke (analyst), Richard Jefferson (analyst) and Lisa Salters (sideline reporter) will be on the call.
Fans looking to stream Thunder vs. Pacers can watch live on Sling.
What is Sling TV?
Sling TV is a popular live streaming service that offers a flexible and affordable way to watch television without a traditional cable subscription. It provides a range of channel packages, allowing users to customize their viewing experience by choosing from various genres, including sports, news and entertainment.
One of its best qualities is the no-contract model, which gives subscribers the freedom to start and stop service as they please. Additionally, Sling TV’s user-friendly interface, compatibility with multiple devices and the option for add-ons like premium channels make it an attractive choice for those looking to streamline their viewing options.
Thunder vs. Pacers start time
- Date: Thursday, June 5
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Game 1 of the series between the Thunder and Pacers is set to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 5. The game will be played at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder are in the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012, back when Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden fell to LeBron James and the Heat. The Pacers haven’t been to the NBA Finals since 2000, when they fell to Shaquille O’Neal and the Lakers in six games.
Thunder vs. Pacers radio station
- Radio station: SiriusXM channels 81, 86
Fans can listen to Game 1 of the series between the Thunder and Pacers live on SiriusXM. Coverage will be available on channels 81 and 86.
New subscribers can enjoy SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.
Thunder vs. Pacers series schedule
(1) Thunder vs. (4) Pacers
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 5 | Game 1 at Oklahoma City | 8:30 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
| June 8 | Game 2 at Oklahoma City | 8 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
| June 11 | Game 3 at Indiana | 8:30 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
| June 13 | Game 4 at Indiana | 8:30 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
| June 16 | Game 5* at Oklahoma City | 8:30 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
| June 19 | Game 6* at Indiana | 8:30 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
| June 22 | Game 7* at Oklahoma City | 8 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
*If necessary
