7 Biggest Questions That Will Shape the 2025 NBA Finals

OKLAHOMA CITY — If the NBA Finals are the ultimate exam, at least the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers know the questions ahead of time. The answers — on the court — will determine who walks away with the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Here are the seven biggest questions that could define the 2025 NBA Finals:

1. How can the Pacers slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?

You can’t stop him — you can only hope to contain him. The newly crowned MVP and scoring champ has torched defenses all season, including Indiana. In two games vs. the Pacers, Shai averaged 39 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists while shooting 56% from the field.

Expect the Pacers to try the “Giannis Wall” — a crowded paint that dares SGA to settle for mid-range jumpers. But given his touch and patience, even that may not be enough.

2. Can Tyrese Haliburton be his best self?

Indiana’s All-NBA point guard is the team’s engine — but also its barometer. When he’s clicking, the Pacers’ offense hums. But he’s had off nights, like Game 5 at Madison Square Garden.

OKC’s elite defense will pressure Haliburton early and often. For Indiana to thrive, he must get downhill in transition and find open shooters to relieve the load.

3. Who wins the size battle — and does it matter?

OKC starts Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, giving them a size and rim-protection edge. Indiana counters with Myles Turner and Pascal Siakam, who are more perimeter-oriented.

Carlisle has used bigger bodies like Thomas Bryant and Tony Bradley when needed, but OKC’s bigs are more dynamic. Unless Indiana can neutralize them with speed and spacing, size may tip the scale.

4. Who are the X-factors?

For Indiana, Andrew Nembhard is key. He’ll draw the tough defensive assignment on Gilgeous-Alexander and needs to chip in offensively to balance the scales.

OKC’s Alex Caruso is the wild card. The only player on either team with a championship ring (2020 Lakers), Caruso brings elite defense, winning instincts, and sneaky offense — all critical in close games.

5. Is depth still an asset in the Finals?

Usually, playoff rotations shrink. But both teams are legitimately 9-deep, thanks to the value their bench units provide.

Indiana’s Obi Toppin and Ben Sheppard, and OKC’s Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace all play significant roles. This isn’t a “ride the stars” Finals — expect strategic bench minutes to matter.

6. Who has the coaching edge: Carlisle or Daigneault?

Rick Carlisle, 65, is a seasoned champion (2011 Mavs) with more than 1,000 career wins. Mark Daigneault, 40, is the reigning Coach of the Year and has grown up with this Thunder core.

Carlisle has experience. Daigneault has momentum. One knows what buttons to push. The other helped install the buttons. The winner of this chess match could be the difference in a close series.

7. Does great offense beat great defense?

The Pacers are a scoring machine. The Thunder are a defensive buzzsaw. Which wins?

In today’s NBA, defense has made a comeback — and OKC’s physical, relentless style (they led the league in fouls committed) might dictate the tone. But if Indiana gets out and runs, they can turn games into track meets.

This isn’t just offense vs. defense — it’s a clash of philosophies.

Bottom Line:

There’s no clear favorite, only questions waiting to be answered. And just like a Game 7, the drama will unfold one chapter at a time.