A Thunder-Pacers finals is a win for basketball fans (but not for NBA ratings)

All signs point to a Thunder-Pacers showdown in the 2025 NBA Finals. 

OKC advanced after decimating the Timberwolves, 124-94, in Game 5. The Pacers are up 3-1 in their series against the Knicks and play Game 5 on Thursday night.

The potential outcome is a win for pure basketball fans. Both teams play an exciting brand that veers away from modern norms — superstar-driven ISO-centric ball, excessive three-point shooting and shorter rotations in the playoffs.  

To that end, the Thunder and Pacers rank 11th and 13th, respectively, in ISO points, and ninth and seventh in three-point shooting. Their deep rosters also mean they're tied for fourth in bench scoring, with both receiving 33.7 points per game from their second-unit players. 

All these metrics depict two connected squads playing agenda-free basketball, reminiscent of a college team. That's precisely why they lead the playoffs in transition points, with the Thunder (24.9) and Pacers (23.7) running teams out of the gym with their relentless pace. Indiana has been so otherworldly in transition that it's scoring 1.34 points per fast break at 66 percent shooting compared to OKC's 1.17 points at 54 percent.

Casual fans are drawn to stars

If styles make fights, the Thunder versus Pacers matchup has all the makings of a classic. Sadly, the casual NBA fans may not appreciate the contest due to their obsession with stars and star-based teams.

Look no further than the fact that NBA playoff ratings have plummeted since Stephen Curry's Warriors and LeBron James' Lakers were ousted. Game 3 between the Timberwolves and Thunder was the least watched Western Conference Finals game since 2013, per Sports Media Watch.

In light of the viewership decline, Front Office Sports' Colin Salao explained why the NBA would benefit from the Knicks, the only big-market team left in the postseason, to make the NBA Finals. Salao highlighted that the Indiana-New York series has done stellar numbers, but more so due to the Knicks' enormous fan base. 

A lot of those viewers could tune out if the Thunder and Pacers clash in the NBA Finals. It would be a shame since a basketball treat is incoming.