The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are set to clash for the final time in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals this Sunday. The series has been exceptionally close, with just seven points separating the teams over the first six games.

This marks the first Finals to require a Game 7 since 2016, when the Cleveland Cavaliers famously completed their comeback against the Golden State Warriors. The Thunder had a stellar season, accumulating 68 wins, the highest since that Golden State team. Will they secure a similar outcome?

A Look at Game 7 Trends

Interestingly, historical trends suggest a low-scoring match. The Thunder and Pacers, despite high-scoring capabilities throughout the series, are likely to be stifled in a pivotal Game 7. The last team to reach 100 points in a Finals Game 7 was back in 1988.

“I think generally, offense is harder in the playoffs for everybody,” expressed Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “The same is true for Indiana in this series. Their offense has not performed at the same level as it did during the regular season.”

This series has been one for the ages, featuring several close finishes, hinting at another tight contest on Sunday—a hallmark of Finals Game 7s, which have an average margin of victory of just 6.9 points.

“I think as a group we’ve just been very resilient throughout the playoffs,” Haliburton remarked on the Pacers’ performance. “We are a group of guys that get along well, trying to achieve something special.”

The history of home teams in this series indicates a significant advantage for the Thunder. They are considerable favorites for Game 7, laying 7.5 points, which is noteworthy in Game 7 history.

“The crowd is amazing,” added Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “It provides an unparalleled energy, whether we’re up or down.”

It promises to be a thrilling showdown in Game 7, where every play will matter as the Thunder and Pacers battle for the championship title!