The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the brink of their first NBA championship since relocating from Seattle, leading the Indiana Pacers 3-2 in the 2025 NBA Finals. Following a decisive 120-109 victory in Game 5, the Thunder will aim to secure the title in Game 6 on Thursday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. As the Thunder prepare for this critical matchup, they possess a strong playoff record of 5-4 on the road this postseason.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been instrumental in the Thunder's playoff success, averaging 30.4 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.4 rebounds. His performance includes a double-double in Game 5 with 31 points and 10 assists. Jalen Williams also shined in that game, scoring 40 points, contributing significantly to the Thunder's offensive effort. Meanwhile, the Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner, are fighting to extend the series. Injuries are a concern for Indiana, with Tyrese Haliburton listed as questionable and Jarace Walker ruled out.

The Indiana Pacers face a daunting challenge as they attempt to avoid elimination against the Oklahoma City Thunder without the full services of Tyrese Haliburton, whose calf injury has rendered him questionable for the game. Known for their resilience, the Pacers will need to draw on all their resources if Haliburton can't play at full capacity. The Thunder enter as road favorites, and the spread reflects the uncertainty surrounding Haliburton's health.

In the latest matchup, roster strategy becomes crucial with FanDuel's unique single-game contest format, where MVP candidates like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Haliburton command high salaries. The performance of supporting players such as Myles Turner and T.J. McConnell could be pivotal if Haliburton is limited. Players like Jalen Williams and Pascal Siakam are also expected to see high roster percentages due to their recent performances, making value plays essential for optimizing lineups.

As the 2025 NBA free agency period approaches, the league is poised for significant changes. With negotiations set to begin soon after the NBA Finals, teams will be keen to secure top talents. Several high-profile players are expected to enter free agency, including LeBron James, who recently signed a two-year contract with the Lakers, and James Harden, who has a player option for the upcoming season.

Julius Randle and Kyrie Irving, both facing crucial decisions regarding their contracts, could impact their teams' strategies. Notably, Irving’s recent injury raises questions about his future and the Mavericks' direction, particularly after trading Luka Doncic. Other prominent names like Myles Turner, who has been a consistent force for the Pacers, and rising stars such as Josh Giddey and Fred VanVleet are also projected to play pivotal roles in the upcoming free agency frenzy.

The New Orleans Pelicans have made a strategic move by acquiring the No. 23 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft from the Indiana Pacers. This trade, first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, also includes the draft rights to Mojave King, the 47th overall pick in the 2023 Draft. To facilitate this, the Pacers have regained their own 2026 first-round pick, previously traded to the Toronto Raptors in the Pascal Siakam deal. This transaction is expected to offer the Pacers salary-cap relief as they aim to re-sign center Myles Turner.

With this acquisition, the Pelicans now possess two first-round picks (Nos. 7 and 23) for the upcoming draft, indicating their intent to revamp a team that recently finished with a dismal 21-61 record. They have been conducting predraft workouts with numerous prospects, suggesting a focused approach to enhancing their roster through this draft.

The Indiana Pacers, currently 2-3 in the NBA Finals, are looking ahead to next season after finalizing a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans. In this deal, the Pacers are sending the 23rd pick of this year’s draft along with rights to Mojave King in exchange for their own 2026 NBA Draft pick. The Pelicans previously acquired this 2026 pick as part of the Brandon Ingram trade. Having only 11 players under contract, the Pacers aim to maximize their roster flexibility for next season.

Retaining key players like Myles Turner and possibly Thomas Bryant will be crucial as they navigate this offseason. The Pacers need to avoid limiting their options by committing to a rookie. With a promising 2026 draft class on the horizon, the Pacers are strategically positioning themselves to enhance their roster either through trades or free agency. Their focus is on balancing the present with future potential while maintaining competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.