NBA Finals schedule 2025: full game times, how to watch Thunder vs Knicks or Pacers live, and all the key streaming details you need

NBA Finals schedule 2025 is officially set, and basketball fans in the U.S. are getting ready for one of the most exciting championship showdowns in years. The Oklahoma City Thunder have punched their ticket to the Finals after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 4–1 in the Western Conference Finals. Now, all eyes turn to the East, where the Indiana Pacers are up 3–1 against the New York Knicks.

Whether you're a die-hard Thunder supporter or just catching the Finals action, here's your full guide to the 2025 NBA Finals—including the complete schedule, game start times, and how to watch every moment live in the U.S.

When do the 2025 NBA Finals begin and who has home-court advantage?

The 2025 NBA Finals start on Thursday, June 5, with Oklahoma City hosting Game 1. Thanks to their outstanding 68–14 regular season record—which ties for the sixth-best in NBA history—the Thunder will have home-court advantage throughout the series.

This is the Thunder’s first trip to the Finals since 2012, led by their newly crowned MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, along with rising stars Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. The team has shown resilience and chemistry all season long, and they’re entering the Finals with serious momentum.

What is the full 2025 NBA Finals schedule in Eastern Time?

Here is the full 2025 NBA Finals schedule for fans in the U.S., with all game times listed in Eastern Time (ET):


*Games 5 through 7 will only be played if necessary.
All games will be available to stream or watch live using various options for U.S. viewers.

How can fans in the U.S. watch or stream the NBA Finals live without cable?

If you don’t have cable, there are still plenty of ways to watch the 2025 NBA Finals live in the U.S. The games will be available to stream on the ESPN App and ESPN.com, but you'll need to sign in with a valid TV provider account.

If you prefer streaming, here are some popular live TV streaming services that carry major networks showing the Finals:

• fuboTV – Offers a free trial and includes national sports channels
  
  
• YouTube TV – A solid choice for sports fans, also offers a free trial
  
  
• Hulu + Live TV – Includes access to ESPN and live sports
  
  
• DirecTV Stream – Covers all major U.S. sports broadcasting options
  
  

These services support a wide range of devices including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and desktops, and usually come with cloud DVR and replay options.

Why is the 2025 NBA Finals matchup drawing so much attention?

The Thunder’s journey back to the Finals after 13 years has been nothing short of remarkable. After sweeping the Memphis Grizzlies in Round 1, they edged out the Denver Nuggets in a tough 7-game series before cruising past the Timberwolves.

On the Eastern side, the Pacers are just one win away from their first Finals appearance since 2000, while the Knicks hope to turn things around and reach the Finals for the first time since 1999. Either way, this matchup promises intense basketball, historic storylines, and a new chapter for both conferences.

When should you tune in to watch the 2025 NBA Finals?

The 2025 NBA Finals begin on Thursday, June 5, with each game scheduled for 8:00 or 8:30 PM ET—prime time for fans coast-to-coast in the U.S.

Whether you plan to watch on TV, stream on your phone, or follow live updates online, this year’s Finals are packed with drama, talent, and history. For all the latest updates and game-day coverage, visit NBA.com or follow the league on social media.

FAQs:

Q1: When does the 2025 NBA Finals begin and who has home-court advantage?
The 2025 NBA Finals begin on June 5, with the Thunder holding home-court advantage.

Q2: How can I watch the 2025 NBA Finals live without cable in the U.S.?
You can stream the 2025 NBA Finals live using ESPN app or services like fuboTV and YouTube TV.