NBA Playoffs 2025 (Poll created for Finals prediction)

[SunsRback4Good]

OKC historically good RS team, Pacers historically lucky. Let's see who wins a championship.

What are Suns historically good at?

[sunsbg]

OKC historically good RS team, Pacers historically lucky. Let's see who wins a championship.

What are Suns historically good at?

Good at losing big in Gm7s maybe. Good at losing finals 2:4 too.

[mkot]

I criticized the Pacers last year and called them an unserious basketball team because of the unseriousness on the defensive end. But credit to Rick Carlisle, he knows how to build that team up. Let them feel good about themselves by letting them score a ton of points and win a ton of games in the regular season, let them taste the bitter and sweet moments in the playoffs and get to the serious part of the game, and adding Siakam helps. This team is tough and they have the depth to match with OKC's talents.

This is almost like the Denver game 1, when Nesmith made that 3 at the baseline, OKC looked very tentative and waited for the clock to run out and the Pacers just had the poise to keep playing their game. Haliburton was a non-factor with the defense so keyed in on him and Nemhard was the guy running the point and calm the team down the second half. Haliburton made the winning shot, but Nemhard making plays and making tough shots down the stretch kept the team close enough to allow Haliburton to have that heroic moment.

The amount of dog on this Pacers team is unbelievable. Toughness is one of the most important intangible a team need to make deep playoff run. The Wolves is a tough team but they always give me the vibe of frontrunners especially now with that loser Randle on that team. Denver is tough as **** but they only played 6 guys with 2 starters playing injured. Pacers is tough and the depth to keep up with the waves of guys OKC can deploy.

That said, OKC still has a way wider margin. SGA played a phenomenal game, if one of JDub and Chet give just a little more they win. OKC with small in the last 3 minutes and I think that's a mistake going away from their advantage of two bigs. They got beat by 17 on the glass. None more important than the one Siakam grabbed in the second last possession and scored on it. And more importantly, OKC overcommitted when they are small. They are good at it so I can't really fault them but they were up 9, you need to guard the 3. And the Pacers took advantage of them not making defensive adjustments in late game situations. Just another moment where Mark Daigneault galaxy-brained himself.

OKC just needs to figure out what they want to do in late game situation, SGA tried to foul bait in clutch time ain't it. Just too much hoping and waiting instead of making things happen. Also aside from SGA's iso, much of their offense are coming from points off TOs and they did not convert in Game 1, just need to clean that up.

[mkot]

OKC historically good RS team, Pacers historically lucky. Let's see who wins a championship.

What are Suns historically good at?

Good at losing big in Gm7s maybe. Good at losing finals 2:4 too.

Oof.

And all teams need luck here and there to get to the Finals. Grizzlies were on a free fall after firing their coach right before the playoffs, Nuggets were depleted team, Wolves were in the WCF because Luka is fat the Curry was injured. And the Thunder is at full strength going into the playoffs, that's luck too.

In the East Bucks were without Lillard but Pacers will beat them regardless imo, a healthy Garland might push to G6 but that series wasn't even close and the Knicks were healthy. The Pacers look destiny to me.

[sunskerr]

Gonna give props to the Pacers here as much as I love Shai and the thunder this year. They don't quit and that's something every team should look at. They also dont have a top 4 player or heck top 6/7/8 guy. But Haliburton is still elite, Siakam is a star, and they got a bunch of really good solid players. Wish we were able to have a team like that.

I still think OKC will win. They kinda did this against Denver already. One thing people haven't talked about is that if you watch that shot Shai missed over Nembhard with like 10 seconds to go...that's exactly the shot you wanted if you're an OKC fan. He just missed an easy one.

But it certainly wouldn't be a surprise if Indy truly has found lightning in a bottle and has enough to seal the deal.

We really should have drafted that dude. Would've made our team look so much better. Ugh. Well at least we didn't draft him and trade him. I tried to keep an open mind about that trade for the Kings but my initial reaction was that Indy got the better player.

[garrick]

I criticized the Pacers last year and called them an unserious basketball team because of the unseriousness on the defensive end. But credit to Rick Carlisle, he knows how to build that team up. Let them feel good about themselves by letting them score a ton of points and win a ton of games in the regular season, let them taste the bitter and sweet moments in the playoffs and get to the serious part of the game, and adding Siakam helps. This team is tough and they have the depth to match with OKC's talents.

This is almost like the Denver game 1, when Nesmith made that 3 at the baseline, OKC looked very tentative and waited for the clock to run out and the Pacers just had the poise to keep playing their game. Haliburton was a non-factor with the defense so keyed in on him and Nemhard was the guy running the point and calm the team down the second half. Haliburton made the winning shot, but Nemhard making plays and making tough shots down the stretch kept the team close enough to allow Haliburton to have that heroic moment.

The amount of dog on this Pacers team is unbelievable. Toughness is one of the most important intangible a team need to make deep playoff run. The Wolves is a tough team but they always give me the vibe of frontrunners especially now with that loser Randle on that team. Denver is tough as **** but they only played 6 guys with 2 starters playing injured. Pacers is tough and the depth to keep up with the waves of guys OKC can deploy.

That said, OKC still has a way wider margin. SGA played a phenomenal game, if one of JDub and Chet give just a little more they win. OKC with small in the last 3 minutes and I think that's a mistake going away from their advantage of two bigs. They got beat by 17 on the glass. None more important than the one Siakam grabbed in the second last possession and scored on it. And more importantly, OKC overcommitted when they are small. They are good at it so I can't really fault them but they were up 9, you need to guard the 3. And the Pacers took advantage of them not making defensive adjustments in late game situations. Just another moment where Mark Daigneault galaxy-brained himself.

OKC just needs to figure out what they want to do in late game situation, SGA tried to foul bait in clutch time ain't it. Just too much hoping and waiting instead of making things happen. Also aside from SGA's iso, much of their offense are coming from points off TOs and they did not convert in Game 1, just need to clean that up.

OKC has an advantage for sure but the Pacers though I doubt they commit 20 TOs in the first half in any of their next games and without that I bet Indy is leading in the 4th.

I'm more worried about Indy's offense as Toppin isn't likely hitting 5 of 8 from deep again and Hali has times when he just is too passive and goes huge stretches without scoring.

[bullsaficianado]

Are the Knicks insane? they trying to hire already employed head coaches. WTF.

[mkot]

OKC has an advantage for sure but the Pacers though I doubt they commit 20 TOs in the first half in any of their next games and without that I bet Indy is leading in the 4th.

I'm more worried about Indy's offense as Toppin isn't likely hitting 5 of 8 from deep again and Hali has times when he just is too passive and goes huge stretches without scoring.

Toppin won't hit 5-8 again, but Dort also won't shoot 5-9 again. SGA is 3-6 too that's way above his average.

From the Pacers perspective they didn't even play well, 19 TOs is a franchise record in any game regular season and playoffs, and they had 6 the rest of the way so they adjusted. Hali can play way better, Siakam was good but can be better, Nembhard can shoot the ball better, but OKC just has a larger margin for error, that's just reality. I think Game 1 is OKC's floor game and they almost won, they are just a historically good defensive team.

Pacers's key to winning the series is pretty obvious, clean up the TOs, run back so they don't convert points off TOs because that's almost half of their offense, that's half the battle. They have no answer for SGA so I'd try double early to try to force the ball into the hands of Dort or JDub, and if their arrogant coach is dumb or stubborn enough go small again Siakam needs to be aggressive in attacking mismatches. Hali is going to be in jail the whole series so Siakam needs to win his matchup against Chet for them to have a chance in the series. He firmly outplayed Chet in Game 1, I expect Chet to be better next game tho.

I don't find myself agreeing with Bob Meyers often but I agreed with him on the path for Pacers winning the series is that the coach wins one, Siakam wins one, everyone shoot well wins one, and Hali wins one. And I think Rick Carlisle had won them Game 1.

[Mulhollanddrive]

Shai, Doncic or Haliburton or none cause Suns

[KdoubleDees23]

OKC has an advantage for sure but the Pacers though I doubt they commit 20 TOs in the first half in any of their next games and without that I bet Indy is leading in the 4th.

I'm more worried about Indy's offense as Toppin isn't likely hitting 5 of 8 from deep again and Hali has times when he just is too passive and goes huge stretches without scoring.

Toppin won't hit 5-8 again, but Dort also won't shoot 5-9 again. SGA is 3-6 too that's way above his average.

From the Pacers perspective they didn't even play well, 19 TOs is a franchise record in any game regular season and playoffs, and they had 6 the rest of the way so they adjusted. Hali can play way better, Siakam was good but can be better, Nembhard can shoot the ball better, but OKC just has a larger margin for error, that's just reality. I think Game 1 is OKC's floor game and they almost won, they are just a historically good defensive team.

Pacers's key to winning the series is pretty obvious, clean up the TOs, run back so they don't convert points off TOs because that's almost half of their offense, that's half the battle. They have no answer for SGA so I'd try double early to try to force the ball into the hands of Dort or JDub, and if their arrogant coach is dumb or stubborn enough go small again Siakam needs to be aggressive in attacking mismatches. Hali is going to be in jail the whole series so Siakam needs to win his matchup against Chet for them to have a chance in the series. He firmly outplayed Chet in Game 1, I expect Chet to be better next game tho.

I don't find myself agreeing with Bob Meyers often but I agreed with him on the path for Pacers winning the series is that the coach wins one, Siakam wins one, everyone shoot well wins one, and Hali wins one. And I think Rick Carlisle had won them Game 1.

Thunder were up 10 with 3 minutes left and shot like 4 in a row 3 pointers / bad shots. That is on them. Take time, go for easy 2's , get some foul calls, hit your free throws, etc.

[bullsaficianado]

LOL at the Knicks. Trying to hire already employed head coaches and getting rejected. Just crazy.

[thamadkant]

Siakam is Pacers most consistent 2 way player in the playoffs. Haliburton is very good but he's played more of a sidekick in most games with a few games he really excelled and took over. He's played more of a role similar to Kyrie Irving when with LeBron and Jamal Murray with Jokic during their championship.

He's an excellent floor general and absolutely key, but Siakam's defense and ability to score under heavy defense and also hitting 3s has been amazing to see this playoff run. If he keeps this going and Pacers win, he is Finals MVP I believe and he's gonna have to play like one for Pacers to win.


But Game 1 was an anomaly for Thunder, they literally stopped playing hard once they were up 15 in the 4th. I went to do laundry and came back and saw the lead down to 1 point and it was just shocking. SGA also forced shots and dominated the volume shots shooting over defenses.

Game 2 SGA involved everyone and they win comfortably. Game 3 needs to be the same for them to win again. Pacers have a really good rotation of 4 guards, both ends of the court. Just their defense alone is inspiring. I compare that to what we saw with Suns, with Booker, Allen, O'Neil and Beal and Suns is not even on the same library.

Then you compare Pacers perimeter defense to Thunder and Thunder is a tier above.

That's how Thunder won 68 games with very impressive advance stats and how I think they will win their first championship.

[KdoubleDees23]

OKC started hot from 3, then killed themselves.

[KdoubleDees23]

Siakam is Pacers most consistent 2 way player in the playoffs. Haliburton is very good but he's played more of a sidekick in most games with a few games he really excelled and took over. He's played more of a role similar to Kyrie Irving when with LeBron and Jamal Murray with Jokic during their championship.

He's an excellent floor general and absolutely key, but Siakam's defense and ability to score under heavy defense and also hitting 3s has been amazing to see this playoff run. If he keeps this going and Pacers win, he is Finals MVP I believe and he's gonna have to play like one for Pacers to win.


But Game 1 was an anomaly for Thunder, they literally stopped playing hard once they were up 15 in the 4th. I went to do laundry and came back and saw the lead down to 1 point and it was just shocking. SGA also forced shots and dominated the volume shots shooting over defenses.

Game 2 SGA involved everyone and they win comfortably. Game 3 needs to be the same for them to win again. Pacers have a really good rotation of 4 guards, both ends of the court. Just their defense alone is inspiring. I compare that to what we saw with Suns, with Booker, Allen, O'Neil and Beal and Suns is not even on the same library.

Then you compare Pacers perimeter defense to Thunder and Thunder is a tier above.

That's how Thunder won 68 games with very impressive advance stats and how I think they will win their first championship.

Thunders issue, is they shoot too many 3s. When you are up by 15. You take time, and easy shots, draw fouls, etc. This is what is killing them this game as well. Pacers are doing better at easy buckets.

[SunsRback4Good]

Siakam is Pacers most consistent 2 way player in the playoffs. Haliburton is very good but he's played more of a sidekick in most games with a few games he really excelled and took over. He's played more of a role similar to Kyrie Irving when with LeBron and Jamal Murray with Jokic during their championship.

He's an excellent floor general and absolutely key, but Siakam's defense and ability to score under heavy defense and also hitting 3s has been amazing to see this playoff run. If he keeps this going and Pacers win, he is Finals MVP I believe and he's gonna have to play like one for Pacers to win.


But Game 1 was an anomaly for Thunder, they literally stopped playing hard once they were up 15 in the 4th. I went to do laundry and came back and saw the lead down to 1 point and it was just shocking. SGA also forced shots and dominated the volume shots shooting over defenses.

Game 2 SGA involved everyone and they win comfortably. Game 3 needs to be the same for them to win again. Pacers have a really good rotation of 4 guards, both ends of the court. Just their defense alone is inspiring. I compare that to what we saw with Suns, with Booker, Allen, O'Neil and Beal and Suns is not even on the same library.

Then you compare Pacers perimeter defense to Thunder and Thunder is a tier above.

That's how Thunder won 68 games with very impressive advance stats and how I think they will win their first championship.

Thunders issue, is they shoot too many 3s. When you are up by 15. You take time, and easy shots, draw fouls, etc. This is what is killing them this game as well. Pacers are doing better at easy buckets.

It’s over buddy. Pacers are your 24-25 champions!!!!

[KdoubleDees23]

Siakam is Pacers most consistent 2 way player in the playoffs. Haliburton is very good but he's played more of a sidekick in most games with a few games he really excelled and took over. He's played more of a role similar to Kyrie Irving when with LeBron and Jamal Murray with Jokic during their championship.

He's an excellent floor general and absolutely key, but Siakam's defense and ability to score under heavy defense and also hitting 3s has been amazing to see this playoff run. If he keeps this going and Pacers win, he is Finals MVP I believe and he's gonna have to play like one for Pacers to win.


But Game 1 was an anomaly for Thunder, they literally stopped playing hard once they were up 15 in the 4th. I went to do laundry and came back and saw the lead down to 1 point and it was just shocking. SGA also forced shots and dominated the volume shots shooting over defenses.

Game 2 SGA involved everyone and they win comfortably. Game 3 needs to be the same for them to win again. Pacers have a really good rotation of 4 guards, both ends of the court. Just their defense alone is inspiring. I compare that to what we saw with Suns, with Booker, Allen, O'Neil and Beal and Suns is not even on the same library.

Then you compare Pacers perimeter defense to Thunder and Thunder is a tier above.

That's how Thunder won 68 games with very impressive advance stats and how I think they will win their first championship.

Thunders issue, is they shoot too many 3s. When you are up by 15. You take time, and easy shots, draw fouls, etc. This is what is killing them this game as well. Pacers are doing better at easy buckets.

It’s over buddy. Pacers are your 24-25 champions!!!!

I hope not. Not a fan of the Pacers. I would rather Oklahoma City get a ring, thats all they have there! No NFL team, etc. Indiana has the colts, fever, etc. Bring that championship to OKC!

[Bogyo]

Siakam is Pacers most consistent 2 way player in the playoffs. Haliburton is very good but he's played more of a sidekick in most games with a few games he really excelled and took over. He's played more of a role similar to Kyrie Irving when with LeBron and Jamal Murray with Jokic during their championship.

He's an excellent floor general and absolutely key, but Siakam's defense and ability to score under heavy defense and also hitting 3s has been amazing to see this playoff run. If he keeps this going and Pacers win, he is Finals MVP I believe and he's gonna have to play like one for Pacers to win.


But Game 1 was an anomaly for Thunder, they literally stopped playing hard once they were up 15 in the 4th. I went to do laundry and came back and saw the lead down to 1 point and it was just shocking. SGA also forced shots and dominated the volume shots shooting over defenses.

Game 2 SGA involved everyone and they win comfortably. Game 3 needs to be the same for them to win again. Pacers have a really good rotation of 4 guards, both ends of the court. Just their defense alone is inspiring. I compare that to what we saw with Suns, with Booker, Allen, O'Neil and Beal and Suns is not even on the same library.

Then you compare Pacers perimeter defense to Thunder and Thunder is a tier above.

That's how Thunder won 68 games with very impressive advance stats and how I think they will win their first championship.

Thunders issue, is they shoot too many 3s. When you are up by 15. You take time, and easy shots, draw fouls, etc. This is what is killing them this game as well. Pacers are doing better at easy buckets.

The real issue is not making them. They are not a very good 3pt% team, their 3-4 top scorers are not snipers, but fairly average 3pt shooters, and took a dive in their % during the post season. SGA 31%, J-Dub 31%, Chet 30%. Caruso is 43% but he is not taking a lot and is more of a defender... So I guess this is the Indys chance, who have better offense anyways with Hali orchestrating. Shoot more 3s at a better clip - you tend to win games wether its regular season or finals.

[KdoubleDees23]

Wish the Suns got one of these teams with Booker, Ayton, Twins, and CP3

[KLEON]

These refs doing everything to make OKC win game 3

[thamadkant]

Could be a 7 game series this one.