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They are the two best words in all of sports. GAME. SEVEN.
For the 20th time in league history and the first since 2016, there will be a Game 7 in the NBA Finals.
By the end of Sunday night, either the Oklahoma City Thunder or Indiana Pacers will hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time as confetti rains down on them.
Here’s how writers and editors from The Oklahoman and Indy Star predict Game 7 to play out:
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∎ Nathan Baird, IndyStar: Pacers
I love taking the Pacers and the points here. I’m less excited about picking them to win outright. But I will, because the team of destiny vibe that built over the first three rounds has never dissipated.
∎ Dana Hunsinger Benbow, IndyStar: Pacers
After six games of deep analysis, the Pacers have OKC figured out. Pacers win. Proving home court advantage at this point doesn’t mean squat. And finally winning one for Herbie means everything.
∎ Jenni Carlson, The Oklahoman: Thunder 101, Pacers 95
It won’t be easy. Who would think otherwise at this point? But fueled by the Paycom Center madness, the Thunder defense will be much better than Game 6. That will lead to better offense, easier baskets and just enough cushion to win a title.
∎ Dustin Dopirak, IndyStar: Pacers 111, Thunder 109.
I honestly have no idea what’s going to happen in this game. But the most fitting thing considering the way these playoffs have gone would be for the Pacers to win on a Tyrese Haliburton game-winning 3. So let’s go with that.
∎ Gregg Doyel, IndyStar: Pacers
I’ve got the Pacers winning game seven, because I think the Pacers are better. Don’t ask me why one team won 68 games but the team I think is better won 50. But that’s what I think.
∎ Matt Glenesk, IndyStar: Pacers 108, Thunder 104
I’ve picked the Pacers throughout the playoffs, so I’m not about to stop now. After Game 6, you feel there’s real belief among the Pacers. And after OKC’s dud in Game 6, you’d imagine there’s some doubt within the Thunder. It’s been a great series, and it’s only fitting we get a Game 7.
∎ Justin Martinez, The Oklahoman: Thunder 111, Pacers 107
After a shaky Game 6 performance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will show why he’s the league’s Most Valuable Player. And OKC will show why it’s the league’s best team with a defense that’’ll disrupt Indiana’s high-octane offense.
∎ Joe Mussatto, The Oklahoman: Thunder 108, Pacers 100
OKC’s homecourt advantage can’t be overstated. Indiana keeps it close, but the Thunder’s defense controls the game. SGA wins Finals MVP.
∎ Nat Newell, IndyStar: Thunder 115, Pacers 109
Thunder will be ready for a less mobile Tyrese Haliburton but this all comes down to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The MVP can’t turn in another lackluster performance … and he won’t.
∎ Zach Osterman, IndyStar: Pacers
Oklahoma City has unloaded its arsenal on the Pacers, and they’re still kicking. If anything, they showed OKC its weakness in Game 6 in a way nobody else really has in these playoffs. Confidence is a dangerous thing, and Indiana has it in abundance. Pacers win close, late.
∎ Jeff Patterson, The Oklahoman: Thunder 117, Pacers 111
Thunder All-Star Jalen Williams said on on the eve of Game 7 that the energy in Paycom Center will “the hair on your arms stand up.” I’m not going to dispute that. The Thunder got its clunker of the series out of the way in Game 6. Now it’s time to watch out as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. celebrate in confetti with OKC’s first NBA title.
Date: Sunday, June 22Time: 7 p.m. CT
The Thunder vs. Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals starts at 7 p.m. CT Sunday from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Where to watch Thunder vs Pacers in NBA Finals Game 7
The Thunder vs. Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals will be broadcast on ABC.
Jeff Patterson is the sports editor for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Jeff? He can be reached at jpatterson@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @jeffpattOKC. Support Jeff’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.