In a better-than-usual playoffs full of competitive games, rivalries, and surprises, The Indiana Pacers will play the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Larry O'Brien Championship trophy.
My immediate inclination is to root against the Pacers after they trounced Cleveland on their way to the Finals. But I respect our worthy opponents, and as a former Indiana resident, it would be great to see the Hoosier state bring home a title. I have no bond with OKC, and as the heavy favorites, they also make themselves less palatable. Therefore I will hope for and predict a series win for the Pacers.
I think this series will go all the way. If Indiana manages to beat OKC, I think it will be by very narrow margins. With home-court on their side and superior talent, I think the Thunder will take the first game, overwhelming the Pacers with their dominance on both ends of the court. The Pacers will make adjustments, but I think the Thunder will manage to take both opening games, with the second by a narrower margin.
Then Indiana will come out in force to cheer on their team at home. I'm hoping the refs will be a little lax with the home crowd and the playoff mentality, meaning less free throws for SGA and a little edge for the Pacers. Indiana will take Game 3, and then win a nail-biter in Game 4.
Back in Oklahoma City, I think the Thunder take Number 5, then the Pacers Number 6 back in Hoosierland. In other words, everyone wins at home (which is actually not how these playoffs have been going so far. It's OK, I'm used to making terrible predictions.)
Then Game 7. I think it will take a significant injury on the Thunder for the Pacers to make it here and take it all - maybe Gilgeous-Alexander sprains an ankle. Whatever the case, I think the Thunder will take a hit personnel-wise, and Indiana will be ready to take advantage and squeeze out a win in Game 7, with some late-game heroics from Haliburton and company. Pacers in 7.
Then, next year.... CLEVELAND! Keep the core, take it to another level, and let's go all the way.
