Game 3 of the NBA Finals May Set Tone for Rest of Series
The 2025 NBA Finals have delivered a thrilling start. The series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers is tied at 1-1. They head to Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Game 3 is on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The Pacers stunned the Thunder in Game 1 with a dramatic 111-110 comeback victory. Tyrese Haliburton’s game-winning jumper, with 0.3 seconds left, sealed the win. The Thunder responded emphatically in Game 2, cruising to a 123-107 win behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 34-point masterclass.
The series shifts to Indiana for the first time in 25 years. This pivotal Game 3 promises high stakes and intense battles. It will showcase two young, dynamic teams vying for their first NBA championship. This preview covers current odds, injury updates, key matchups, predictions, and how to watch the game.
Current Odds
According to Bet105, the Thunder are 5.5 (+100) -point favorites on the road for Game 3, with the spread moving from an opening line of 4.5 due to sharp money on Oklahoma City. The moneyline lists the Thunder at -208, implying a 65% chance of winning, while the Pacers are +185 underdogs. The over/under for total points is set at 228, slightly down from Game 2’s 228.5, reflecting expectations of a potentially tighter contest.
54% of wagers are on the Thunder to cover the spread. Additionally, 67% are on the over. The spread is balanced with less than 1% difference in total bet money. The Thunder’s 0-7 against-the-spread (ATS) record on the road this postseason adds intrigue. Meanwhile, the Pacers are 6-2 ATS at home in the playoffs.
Injury Information
As of the latest reports, no significant injuries have been noted for either team heading into Game 3. The Pacers’ starting lineup—Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner—appears fully healthy. Key bench players like T.J. McConnell, Bennedict Mathurin, and Obi Toppin are also available. However, there’s a point of concern for Indiana. Haliburton was seen limping noticeably during his post-Game 2 press conference. No official injury designation has been reported.
This could suggest discomfort or fatigue, potentially impacting his performance. The Thunder’s core players are reported to be in good health. These players include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Luguentz Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein. Reserves like Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins are ready to contribute. Both teams are expected to maintain tight rotations given the high stakes of the Finals.
Key Matchups
Tyrese Haliburton vs. Luguentz Dort
The battle between Pacers’ point guard Tyrese Haliburton and Thunder’s All-Defensive First Team guard Luguentz Dort is a defining matchup. Haliburton, the engine of Indiana’s high-octane offense, averages 18.8 points and leads the playoffs with a 40.1% team 3-point shooting rate. His ability to orchestrate at breakneck speed while maintaining a low turnover rate (over five assists per turnover) is critical.
Dort’s tenacious defense has disrupted Haliburton. He held Haliburton to five points through three quarters in Game 2. Haliburton managed a late 12-point flurry. Dort’s physicality is significant. His ability to contest shots will challenge Haliburton. In the playoffs, opponents shot 33% from three against OKC. This will test Haliburton’s ability to create open looks, especially in transition. If Haliburton can assert himself early, it could open up Indiana’s offense.
Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein vs. Myles Turner
The Thunder’s Jalen Williams and Isaiah Hartenstein pose a unique challenge for Pacers’ center Myles Turner. Williams is a versatile two-way forward. He thrives in the midrange, ranking in the 93rd percentile in attempts. He exploits mismatches in pick-and-roll scenarios, especially against Turner’s drop coverage. Hartenstein’s screen-setting and ability to force switches amplify Williams’ effectiveness.
Turner, averaging 15.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in the Finals, must capitalize on his jumper. He also needs to focus on rim protection against the wiry Chet Holmgren. Holmgren missed both regular-season games against Indiana due to injury. Turner’s minutes have dipped recently because of blowouts. However, he could log over 30 minutes in a favorable matchup, boosting his impact. This frontcourt battle will hinge on spacing and defensive discipline.
Bench Production: Aaron Wiggins and Alex Caruso vs. T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin
The Thunder’s bench scoring has been pivotal. The reserves outscored Indiana’s 38-34 in Game 2. This was led by Wiggins, who scored 18 points, and Caruso, who contributed 20 points with nine threes combined. The Pacers’ bench had significant contributions from Toppin and McConnell. Toppin scored 17 points in Game 1. McConnell added 11 points in Game 2.
They must match OKC’s depth. McConnell’s playmaking is crucial for Indiana with 14 and 20 points, rebounds, and assists in the series. Toppin’s three-point shooting, going 5-of-8 in Game 1, is also essential. These performances help counter the Thunder’s relentless pressure. The team that wins the bench battle could swing the game, especially in Indiana’s home environment.
Predictions
The Thunder enter Game 3 as heavy favorites, backed by their elite defense (league-best 3.4 fewer points allowed per 100 possessions in the playoffs) and a historic 68-14 regular season. They have an impressive 29-1 record against the Eastern Conference. Their ability to force turnovers, nearly 18 per 100 possessions, gives them a clear edge. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 36 points per game in the Finals.
He scored 72 points through the first two games, which is an NBA record. He is a matchup nightmare, especially against Indiana’s ninth-ranked playoff defense. The Thunder’s depth, with players like Williams, Holmgren, and Caruso, allows them to sustain pressure across 48 minutes.
The Pacers have defied expectations all postseason. They have won seven games as underdogs. They pulled off a miraculous Game 1 comeback despite 25 turnovers. Their league-leading 40.1% three-point shooting in the playoffs, coupled with their third-lowest turnover rate, gives them a path to victory if they exploit OKC’s weakness in allowing corner threes (40.6% allowed in the regular season, 46.9% in the playoffs). Haliburton’s clutch play is impressive, standing at 8-1 in games within five points in the final five minutes. Rick Carlisle makes tactical adjustments that make Indiana dangerous at home. They’re 6-2 ATS at home.
Despite Indiana’s resilience, the Thunder’s defensive versatility and offensive balance should prevail. SportsLine’s model, with a 160-118 record on top-rated NBA picks, projects OKC to cover the -5.5 spread in over 50% of simulations and the game to go under 228 points, forecasting 223 combined points. The Thunder’s ability to limit Haliburton early is crucial. Moreover, they capitalize on their paint dominance, as shown by the 42-34 edge in Game 2. This tilts the scales. Prediction: Thunder win 118-112, taking a 2-1 series lead, with Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 30-35 points and the bench outscoring Indiana’s.
How to Watch
Game 3 tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game will be broadcast on ABC and streamed live on fubo (try for free). Fans can also access the game via the NBA League Pass or ESPN-ABC platforms. For real-time updates, check the ESPN app with Shams Charania’s news alerts enabled. You can also visit Handicappers Hideaway’s odds section and get odds from several reliable sportsbooks.
Conclusion
Game 3 is a critical juncture in the 2025 NBA Finals. The Thunder aim to reclaim home-court advantage. Meanwhile, the Pacers are looking to leverage their home crowd and offensive firepower. The matchup pits OKC’s suffocating defense against Indiana’s high-octane attack, with key battles like Haliburton vs. Dort and Williams/Hartenstein vs. Turner shaping the outcome.
The Pacers’ clutch play and three-point shooting keep them in contention. The Thunder’s depth and defensive prowess make them the likely victors. Additionally, Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominance contributes to their advantage. Fans are in for a fast-paced, high-energy showdown as these small-market teams battle for NBA glory.
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