Game 2 of the Finals didn't go over too well for the Indiana Pacers, as the team suffered a brutal 123-107 loss. However, the series is tied at 1-1 with Game 3 taking place in Indiana. But it appears famed sports analyst Skip Bayless doesn't have much hope for them, as he delivered a harsh take about the Pacers heading into Wednesday's contest.

Bayless believes the Thunder are going to end this series in five games. He thinks Oklahoma City is just a substantially better team than the Pacers. Bayless also points out how OKC won Game 2 even without playing their best.

“The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to win the NBA Finals in 5 games because they're way better than the Indiana Pacers… Wednesday night will be the night the Thunder take complete control of the series.”

Article Continues Below
More Indiana Pacers News
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) during the second quarter in game three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
TJ McConnell’s energy sparks buzz in Pacers-Thunder Game 3Yasmin Edañol ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) celebrates after a play during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Pacers pull off rare NBA Finals feat in Game 3 vs. ThunderScotty White ·
Caitlin Clark attends game three of Pacers-Thunder
Why Caitlin Clark’s presence is a good NBA Finals sign for PacersJedd Pagaduan ·
Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) blocks a shot by Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during the third quarter of game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center
Thunder’s Chet Holmgren reveals key to locking up Myles TurnerJosue Pavon ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half during game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Is Tyrese Haliburton playing tonight? Pacers-Thunder NBA Finals Game 3 injury reportJason Patt ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) brings the ball up court against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter of game two of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center.
Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton challenged by legendary coachMalik Brown ·

Game 2 was all Thunder, as the Pacers largely struggled throughout. Even Tyrese Haliburton had a slow game, as he entered the fourth quarter with just five points. Oklahoma City's defense is likely the reason for that, but it's something he must overcome if Indiana hopes to pull off a win in the next contest.

Most would agree with Skip Bayless here. The Thunder are large betting favorites to win the title this year. Despite that, there's still hope for the Pacers. It's not like we've never seen an upset before. That was the case in the Dallas Mavericks beat out the heavily favored Miami Heat 4-2 in the NBA Finals for the 2010-11 season. Pacers' head coach Rick Carlisle was the head coach of that Dallas team. So, it's a familiar territory for the 65-year-old head coach.

Game 3 tips off on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. EST. It'll be the first matchup in Indiana. It's an opportunity for the Pacers to put the Thunder on their back foot and take a 2-1 lead, in what should be a pivotal contest.