BOUNCE-BACK OR BUST? GAME 3 LOOMS LARGE IN INDIANA’S TITLE QUEST

The NBA Finals roll into Indianapolis on tonight with the series between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder tied 1-1. Game 3 isn’t just another contest—it’s a pivotal tilt with championship implications, and the numbers prove it: teams that win Game 3 in a tied Finals take home the trophy more than 80% of the time.

Gainbridge Fieldhouse is sure to be rocking for the first NBA Finals game in the Circle City in 25 years. Indiana’s Myles Turner, who has played more home games than anyone else in blue and gold, will finally take the court for an NBA Finals tip in front of his home crowd.

Indiana’s calling card all postseason has been resilience. The Pacers haven’t dropped back-to-back games since early March and boast a perfect 9-0 mark after losses during that stretch. All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton says he’s “ready to go” despite nursing a lower leg issue—and you can expect him to lead the charge in front of a fired-up crowd.

The Thunder, led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, dominated Game 2 behind smothering defense and high-octane offense, but they’ll face a different beast in Indy, where the Pacers have been dominant this postseason.

Get your popcorn ready—this series is heating up faster than an Indiana summer.