Jan 29, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts after being called for a foul against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Skip Bayless Makes Bold Pacers-Thunder NBA Finals Prediction

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jun 9, 2025 11:36 PM ET

The 2025 NBA Finals are currently tied up at 1-1 after the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers split the first two games in Oklahoma.

Despite the Pacers winning Game 1 (on the road), Skip Bayless thinks that the Thunder will defeat the Pacers in five games (h/t ClutchPoints).

Bayless (via The Skip Bayless Show) : "The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to win the NBA Finals in five games, because they're way better than the Indiana Pacers... They can play much better than they did tonight when they won by 16 points in Game 2. They are not in the same universe with the Oklahoma City Thunder."

“Wednesday night will be the night the Thunder take control of the series” pic.twitter.com/8L4HqjVkl1
— The Skip Bayless Show (@SkipBaylessShow) June 9, 2025

The Thunder had been seen as having a chance to pull off a sweep (or win in five games) before the series started.

That said, the Pacers won Game 1 in Oklahoma City, which raised the possibility that they could make the series exciting.

Game 3 will be on Wednesday night in Indiana.

The Pacers will have an excellent chance to put significant pressure on the Thunder (Game 4 is also on their home floor).

Via The NBA (on June 7): "THE INDIANA PACERS... ROAD WARRIORS

East Semis Game 1 at CLE? Win
East Finals Game 1 at NYK? Win
Finals Game 1 at OKC? Win

The 6th team in NBA history to record 3+ Game 1 road wins in a single postseason"

THE INDIANA PACERS... ROAD WARRIORS ‼️

East Semis Game 1 at CLE? Win
East Finals Game 1 at NYK? Win
Finals Game 1 at OKC? Win

The 6th team in NBA history to record 3+ Game 1 road wins in a single postseason pic.twitter.com/0WshoIMYS6
— NBA (@NBA) June 7, 2025