Pascal Siakam, the Indiana Pacers forward and Eastern Conference Finals MVP, is confirmed to play in Game 4 against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals. The matchup is scheduled to take place on June 13, 2025, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, as Siakam seeks to lead the Pacers toward their first-ever NBA championship.
Throughout the postseason, Siakam has been a key figure in the Pacers’ surprising journey, defying preseason expectations and guiding his team with consistent performances. With his health now stable following previous concerns about his elbow, Siakam’s presence is vital as the Pacers hold a 2-1 series lead and aim to extend it in front of their home crowd.
Pascal Siakam’s Health Update and Playoff Impact
Pascal Siakam has overcome a bout with right olecranon bursitis, an inflammatory condition causing painful swelling around the elbow joint. First flagged as questionable in March, Siakam was sidelined for select games during April due to this ailment, which impacted his mobility and shooting. However, since April 13, he has played in every game, demonstrating resilience and maintaining his status as the Pacers’ offensive and defensive lynchpin.
The Indiana Pacers’ official injury report, as revealed by ESPN, confirms Siakam is fit and ready to compete in Game 4. This is a decisive factor for the team because his aggressive style and leadership have fueled Indiana’s impressive run. The Pacers are pushing for their second championship title, and this season marks their first appearance in the NBA Finals.
Alongside Siakam, the Pacers will still be missing small forward Jarace Walker, who is sidelined due to a right ankle sprain and will miss his fourth straight game. On the Thunder’s side, young standout Nikola Topic remains out after undergoing ACL surgery in July 2024, removing him from the entire 2024-25 season lineup. These absences will require coaching staff adjustments on both sides for the upcoming game.
The Pacers’ Emerging Underdog Story and Team Focus
Entering the Finals, the Pacers were seen as underdogs with +700 odds against them, but their tenacity has upset many predictions. Pascal Siakam acknowledged the team‘s mindset ahead of Game 4, stating,
“We just got to keep, um, stay focused on the group. Um, do our jobs, and for us, as much as long as we can just minimize the outside noise and not worry about everything that’s outside of us, um, and it keeps us just focused, um, and our team. We have a lot of underdogs, and I think that’s a good place to be,”
— Pascal Siakam, Indiana Pacers forward
This statement reflects the collective determination within the Pacers’ locker room to silence doubters and continue their playoff momentum. The team has responded well to this mindset, building a strong foundation on teamwork and mental toughness as they fight for a historic title.
Lineup Considerations and Player Status Ahead of Game 4
Over the course of the series, Pascal Siakam has impressed with averages of 18.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, illustrating his all-around contributions to the Pacers’ effort. To maintain their advantage, Indiana will rely on Siakam to sustain or exceed this level of performance.
Head coach Rick Carlisle has expressed some concern about Myles Turner, revealing after Game 3 that,
“Well, Myles is under the weather, and, um, he may not even be with us tomorrow. Um, he’s just…. hasn’t been feeling well the last couple of days. It was affecting his wind. Um, he won’t bring it up, but, you know, I think it’s just appropriate to mention that, that he is working through something. Um, some kind of a cold, or whatever, but he’s just not feeling himself.”
— Rick Carlisle, Indiana Pacers head coach
Despite these concerns, Turner is not listed on the injury report and is expected to play in Game 4. The rest of the Pacers’ starting lineup will be intact, continuing the pattern seen in earlier games of the Finals.
Expected Starting Lineups for Game 4
The Indiana Pacers are projected to field their typical starting five, led by Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, and other key contributors focused on securing another win at home. The Pacers’ presence at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse is a motivating factor for the players, capitalizing on fan support to push toward a championship.
Oklahoma City Thunder’s starting setup is expected to remain stable as well. Although Nikola Topic remains sidelined after his ACL surgery last summer, the Thunder have adjusted their rotation accordingly and continue to compete aggressively for a series comeback.
The Stakes and What Lies Ahead in the Finals
With the Pacers leading 2-1 in the 2025 NBA Finals, Game 4 represents a pivotal moment in the series. If Indiana can clinch a victory on home court with Pascal Siakam healthy and leading the charge, they will be within one win of capturing their elusive first NBA championship trophy. This would be a landmark achievement not only for Siakam’s career but also for the franchise’s history.
For the Oklahoma City Thunder, every game from here on out demands resilience and tactical adjustments to stay competitive. Missing key pieces like Nikola Topic puts additional pressure on their remaining roster to prevent a series loss.
Basketball fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if Siakam can maintain his high level of play under these intense conditions, and whether the Pacers’ underdog story will culminate in ultimate success. The outcome of Game 4 will significantly influence the trajectory of the finals and determine the momentum heading deeper into the series.