The 2025 NBA Finals tips off Thursday night with a highly-anticipated matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers.

Both teams are seeking their first NBA Championship. But winning Game 1 doesn't guarantee anything.

Brad Brown and Cayden McFarland with the Scripps News Group stations in Indianapolis and Tulsa break down some of the things to watch for as two small market teams take the biggest stage in the NBA.

"I've tried to dub this the flyover state showdown, no takers yet," McFarland joked. "... I understand what some folks around the country may be thinking about this particular matchup and, yeah, the answer from us here in Oklahoma is we simply do not care. For the Thunder, way back in 2012, we were all surprised by that run to the Finals with 22-year-old Kevin Dur

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