Photo: Oklahoma City Thunder/X

As the NBA Finals reach a thrilling climax with the much-anticipated Game 7, opinions are divided on who will claim the championship trophy.

Eleven staff members from The Athletic weighed in on the outcome, with a narrow majority of six backing the Indiana Pacers, while five supported the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Interestingly, fan sentiment appears slightly tilted toward the Thunder, with nearly 54% of readers in a recent poll favoring Oklahoma City to win the decisive game.

Adding to the excitement, several NBA insiders at ESPN.com have compiled an in-depth guide titled “Everything You Need to Know” about the upcoming Game 7 showdown.

This comprehensive preview highlights key factors that could determine the winner, including strategic advantages for both teams, potential Finals MVP candidates, and the impact players most likely to swing the momentum.

Out of eight ESPN analysts who made predictions, the vast majority, seven experts, picked the Thunder, with just one favoring the Pacers.

Regardless of the outcome, this Finals series will crown the league’s seventh different NBA champion in as many seasons, underlining the growing parity that the NBA has sought for years.

Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic has observed that the 2025 playoffs have showcased how small-market teams like Oklahoma City and Indiana can ascend to the very top of professional basketball, challenging the traditional powerhouses.

For the Pacers, this Game 7 represents a historic opportunity: the franchise is chasing its first-ever NBA title in its storied history.

Meanwhile, the Thunder are aiming to secure their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City in 2007.

The NBA itself has noted the significance of this matchup, reminding fans that this will be only the 20th Game 7 in NBA Finals history – a rarity that adds to the drama and intensity.

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