The NBA Finals feel like new blood, and new blood usually means an unpredictable series, but the Oklahoma City Thunder are overwhelming favorites over the Indiana Pacers. Pick a metric. Whether it’s the 68 regular-season wins that put them in hallowed territory or the all-time net rating,

This is similar to: The 2016 Cavs, 2019 Raptors & 2023 Nuggets. Those three teams became first-time champions in the past nine seasons, including two with ties to the current Pacers. The 2019 Raptors featured Pascal Siakam, while the 2023 Nuggets included Thomas Bryant. The rest of the Indiana roster has yet to taste championship glory.