Game 3 of the 2024-25 NBA Finals tips off Thursday morning at 10:30am AEST, as the Indiana Pacers host the OKC Thunder. With the Championship series locked up at 1-1, this game will be vital to the chances of both teams in this series.
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Pacers vs Thunder: NBA Finals Game 3 Predictions & Tips
Game 2 Recap
Following a last-second shot from Tyrese Haliburton to give the Indiana Pacers a 111-110 victory in Game 1, the OKC Thunder were quick to avenge that defeat with a statement-making performance in the second game of the series.
Led by newly crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s scoring machine was at his brilliant best once again, finishing with 34 points and eight assists on 11-21 shooting, including 11-12 from the charity stripe. He had support from Alex Caruso who dropped 20 points, Jalen Williams had 19, although he was inefficient from the field (5-14) and Aaron Wiggins caught fire with 18 points (5-8 3PT).
The Thunder led by as many as 23 points at one point while the Pacers only held a lead of three points at one point, which shows the dominance from the home team. It was the second quarter where the Thunder asserted their dominance, scoring 33-21 for the period.
All five starters for the Pacers scored double figures in the 123-107 loss, but none of them appeared willing to shoulder the burden. Haliburton was almost non-existent in the first half. He scored the bulk of his 17 points in the fourth when the game was out of reach.
Who Takes Game 3? Here’s Our Pacers vs Thunder Tip
With the series tied 1-1, the series shifts to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The Pacers player who often starts aggressively in the first quarter is Pascal Siakam, a three-time All Star and 2019 NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors. Siakam has bounced back time and time again after a disappointing game. The same can be expected in this game. During these Playoffs alone, Siakam has gone from a 17-point outing to a 39-point performance. He then had another 17-point game before dropping 30.
For the Pacers to win, Siakam and Haliburton need to lead the way. Haliburton has admitted to starting slow in the first halves of both games, and you would expect to see a different version of the two-time All Star in Game 3. He needs to find his shot whilst also distributing to teammates. This does allow the swarming Thunder defence a chance for steals; they average 10.9 steals per game in the Playoffs, which is two steals more than the next best teams.
Defence wins championships as they say, and the Thunder are one of the best defensive outfits in NBA history. Once they force opponents into turnovers, they capitalise by scoring in transition.
The Thunder have depth on their roster beyond their starting five with the likes of Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Wiggins and Cason Wallace (he has started in both NBA Finals games though). With SGA, Williams and Chet Holmgren leading from the front, the Thunder can steal Game 3 on the road to take a 2-1 lead.
Thunder -5.5
$1.94 (1.5 Units)
Pacers vs Thunder Same Game Multi
Thunder Win: The OKC Thunder are the favourites and can capture Game 3 to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
A Caruso over 7.5 points: The defensive-first guard has scored 11 and 20 points in the first two games of the series. He can find more open threes.
T Haliburton over 15.5 points: Indiana’s clutch point guard needs to be more aggressive early and can look to score early to finish with 16 or more points.
P Siakam over 18.5 points: Siakam often bounces back from a poor game by looking to be aggressive and getting to the rim.
Same Game Multi Odds: $5.75 at Next2Go
Pacers vs Thunder Game 3 Betting Odds & Match Info
Date: Thursday, 12th June
Time: 10:30am AEST
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
Odds: Indiana Pacers ($2.78) vs OKC Thunder ($1.45)
Line: OKC Thunder -5.5
Points: 228.5
Where to Watch the 2025 NBA Finals?
You can watch every game of the 2025 NBA Finals live on Kayo Sports.
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