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Charles Barkley Was Wrong About The NBA Finals
Mar 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns former guard Charles Barkley reacts while in attendance of the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Thunder 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Imagesfor Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Charles Barkley Was Wrong About The NBA Finals

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI  |  By Ben Stinar  |  Last updated Jun 12, 2025 8:58 PM ET

On Friday night, the Indiana Pacers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

The Pacers have the chance to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.

Before the series began, Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley thought that neither the New York Knicks (or Pacers) would have a chance against Oklahoma City.

Barkley (via the NBA on TNT on May 27): "This is the Oklahoma City Invitational. Whoever comes out the east, they're gonna beat the hell out of them... The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to win the championship... OKC is the best team in the NBA."

While the Thunder can still very easily win the 2025 title, Barkley's prediction is wrong.

The Pacers have proven to be a tough matchup for the Thunder, as even if they lose, the series would have to go six games.


This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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