Rylan Stiles

4 days ago | si.com | Rylan Stiles

As everyone counts down the days, hours and minutes until the NBA Finals tip-off inside the Paycom Center on Thursday night, all there is to do is speculate on what this series will look like. Thursday is just the beginning, Game 1 of a best-of-7 marathon series. The Oklahoma City Thunder often reference the opening game as a feel-it-out process and this clash will be no different.

4 days ago | si.com | Rylan Stiles

The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking on the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Finals. This is a new stage for both clubs as the Thunder's most recent trip to the NBA Finals was in 2012, while the Pacers last made it to this spot in 2000. This also marks new territory in preparation for the OKC Thunder. Oklahoma City is used to lay offs between series.

5 days ago | si.com | Rylan Stiles

The Philadelphia 76ers are heading to June's NBA Draft in a position they never could dream of being in. The No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, after supreme NBA Lottery Luck. The Thunder were in control of the 76ers pick top-six protected. After the Spurs and Mavericks leaped up, it appeared that pick was heading to Oklahoma City. Though, the 76ers making it a triple jump saved the selection.

5 days ago | si.com | Rylan Stiles

For the first time since 2012, the Oklahoma City Thunder are back in the NBA Finals. It is a flyover affair as the Indiana Pacers make their return to this stage for the first time since 2000. Each side is seeking its first NBA Championship in franchise history. This series is such to bring plenty of storylines and intrigue regardless of the small market nature of the best-of-seven set.

5 days ago | si.com | Rylan Stiles

Every year, as the NBA world turns its sights to the NBA Finals, teams around the association look at the path each franchise took to get to this point. It's a copycat league after all, what lessons can be learned from the path the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers traveled to land in the 2025 NBA Finals? Each team has gotten here in similar ways, with subtle differences. Perhaps the biggest through line is the team's depth.