Pacers, Thunder Compete Game 7 NBA Finals with $34.7M Prize Pool

The 2025 NBA Finals feature the Indiana Pacers facing off against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Thunder leading the series 3-2 before a decisive Game 6. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is expected to play despite a right calf strain that affected his performance in Game 5, as the Pacers need to win Game 6 and then Game 7 on the road to claim the championship. The playoff prize pool totals $34.7 million, up $1 million from last year, with the winning team receiving $8.8 million and the runner-up $3.8 million, meaning the Pacers could earn $10.8 million in total if they win, while the Thunder could claim $12.4 million due to their best regular-season record. The Pacers forced a Game 7 by dominating Game 6 with balanced scoring, but the Thunder remain heavy favorites to win the title according to betting odds. This Finals series exemplifies the NBA's current parity era, where top talent is spread across teams rather than concentrated in super teams, resulting in a highly competitive and unpredictable championship battle.