The Pacers come in as decided underdogs against the team that had the NBA's best record this season (68-14). These teams met twice in the regular season, with the Thunder winning both ( 120-114 on Dec. 26 in Indianapolis; 132-111 in March 29 in OKC).

The Thunder should enter the NBA Finals as a heavy favorite regardless of who advances. The West is just a different animal. The Pacers and Knicks are closer to the Memphis Grizzlies than the Nuggets or Timberwolves on the talent scale.

The NBA Finals matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers is poised to make history in nearly 20 years.

Alex Caruso is the only current Oklahoma City Thunder player who has previous experience playing in the NBA Finals.