Pacers host Thunder in a crucial NBA Finals Game 3 on June 11, 2025. With the series tied 1-1, can Pascal Siakam lead Indy to a historic victory at home?
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
The wait is over. For the first time since 2000, the NBA Finals have returned to Indianapolis. Tonight, Gainbridge Fieldhouse will be electric as the Indiana Pacers host the Oklahoma City Thunder in a crucial Game 3. After a stunning comeback win in Game 1 and a sobering defeat in Game 2, the series is perfectly poised at 1-1. This isn't just another game; it's a chance to seize control of the series and take a massive step towards the franchise's first-ever NBA championship.
We've been in tough situations before and bounced back. Our fans will give us the energy we need tonight.
The series so far has been a rollercoaster. The Pacers shocked the world in Game 1, erasing a 15-point deficit to steal a win on the road. But the 68-win Thunder, a powerhouse all season, responded with authority in Game 2, cruising to a 123-107 victory. Now, the chess match moves to Indy. The Pacers must find a way to counter OKC's adjustments and rediscover the offensive flow that defined their improbable playoff run, which saw them knock out the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
If the Pacers are to regain the upper hand, it will start with their stars. Pascal Siakam, who has been a rock all postseason averaging 20.2 points and 6.9 rebounds, will need to be at his best against a stingy Thunder defense. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton, the team's floor general and emotional leader, understands the moment. 'We've been in tough situations before and bounced back,' Haliburton told the media. He emphasized the importance of the home crowd, counting on the fans to provide a critical sixth-man advantage. His playmaking (9.2 assists per game in the playoffs) will be essential in unlocking Indiana's offense.
Despite their Game 1 heroics and home-court advantage, betting lines have the Pacers as slight underdogs tonight. It's a familiar role for a team that started the season 10-15 and has been defying expectations ever since. This series is about more than just beating the Thunder; it's about shedding the 'snake-bitten' label that has followed the franchise for decades. With three ABA titles but zero NBA championships, this run represents a golden opportunity to rewrite the history books. A win tonight would be a monumental statement.
Tonight is more than just Game 3. It's a referendum on this team's resilience and a chance to prove that their incredible run is no fluke. The path forward is simple: protect home court. A victory puts the Pacers just two wins away from a parade down Pennsylvania Street. A loss means heading into a must-win Game 4 with their backs against the wall. The ball is in their court, literally. Tip-off is at 8:30 PM ET. Get ready, Indy.
