In a thrilling Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Jalen Williams showcased his skills, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 120-109 victory against the Indiana Pacers, giving the Thunder a 3-2 series lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed significantly with 31 points and 10 assists, putting Oklahoma City just one win away from its first championship. In contrast, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton struggled with a leg injury, managing only four points as he failed to make a field goal.

With Game 6 looming, Haliburton's status remains uncertain due to a calf strain, marking him as a game-time decision. The Thunder are favorites, sitting at -6.5, and have triggered predictions of a tightly contested matchup. Expert picks, including bets on Williams’ point totals and the overall game score, highlight the strategic nuances that could unfold. Eric Cohen's analysis asserts confidence in the Thunder to close out the series, especially if Haliburton is compromised. As the series progresses, Williams is quickly becoming a standout candidate for Finals MVP.