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The 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers has delivered everything fans could hope for. Now deadlocked at 2-2, the series shifts back to Oklahoma City for a pivotal Game 5 at Paycom Center. With both teams having traded punches across the first four games, this matchup could ultimately define the direction of the series — and potentially the championship itself.
Let’s dive into how we got here, what’s at stake in Game 5 and which players could make the biggest impact in DFS lineups.
The Finals opened with fireworks, as Indiana stunned Oklahoma City on their home floor with a gritty 111-110 comeback win. Despite trailing by nine entering the fourth quarter, the Pacers rallied behind the poise of Tyrese Haliburton, who not only distributed with precision but also drilled a last-second shot to steal Game 1. Pascal Siakam contributed a double-double, while the Pacers’ collective defense stifled OKC down the stretch.
Game 2 saw the Thunder strike back with force. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a clinic, scoring 34 points and energizing his team on both ends, grabbing 4 steals. Jalen Williams added valuable scoring and defense, while Chet Holmgren bounced back from a quiet opener with a strong two-way performance. Oklahoma City controlled the tempo throughout and evened the series.
Game 3 saw the Pacers reclaim the lead with a wire-to-wire victory as the Finals moved to Indiana. Ben Mathurin had his best game this postseason, finishing with 27 points on 9-12 shooting. Indiana’s defense forced OKC into tough shots led by Myles Turner, who had 5 blocks. Haliburton had a 22-11 double-double, and Siakam chipped in with 21 points.
The Thunder responded yet again in Game 4. Gilgeous-Alexander remained unstoppable, finishing with 35 points, but the supporting cast made the difference. Jalen Williams went for 27 points, providing the perfect 1-2 punch next to SGA. Chet Holmgren did his job in this one, posting a 14-point, 15-rebound game, and Alex Caruso scored 20 off the bench while also adding in great plays on defense.
The Pacers kept it close, with Haliburton posting 18 points and Siakam with 20, but it just wasn’t enough. Ben Mathurin followed his huge Game 3 performance with just 8 points in Game 4.
Now, with the series tied at 2-2, Game 5 represents a massive opportunity for either team to move within one win of the title. The Thunder return to their home crowd after reclaiming momentum, but the Pacers have proven they can win on the road.
From a DFS standpoint, Game 5 offers a rich pool of standout options, each with the potential to tilt DFS contests. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be an automatic selection, averaging over 32 points per game in the series and operating as the driving force behind Oklahoma City’s offense. His shot creation, ability to draw fouls and consistent usage make him arguably the most reliable high-end play on the slate.
On the Indiana side, Tyrese Haliburton remains the most dependable fantasy contributor, with elite playmaking, high usage and the potential for a double-double on any given night. Plus, his turnover rate is usually low. He’s the kind of player whose floor remains high, even in losses, thanks to his assist volume and three-point shooting.
Pascal Siakam also warrants strong consideration. He’s had up-and-down performances in the series, but his ability to contribute across multiple stat categories, particularly with rebounds and defensive stats, makes him a valuable mid-to-high-tier pick. Chet Holmgren has quietly become a solid fantasy contributor as well. His shot-blocking, rebounding and efficiency around the rim give him a steady floor.
One potential difference-maker for Game 5 is Indiana center Myles Turner. While foul trouble has occasionally limited his impact, Turner’s combination of rim protection and three-point shooting gives him an intriguing upside at a mid-range price point.
Against a Thunder frontcourt that leans on spacing rather than brute strength, Turner can stretch the floor offensively and pile up blocks on the other end. If he stays on the court, he could be a game-changer in both real-life and DFS formats like in Game 3. That’s why we like him as our top DFS play tonight.
Dylan has had a love for sports since he was a kid. Four years ago, he decided to dive into the sports content-creating industry specializing in Fantasy Football, NFL and NBA. He has since had his work published on sites that include Fantasy Alarm, Fansided, and Fantasy Six Pack.