[From ESPN]

After a back-and-forth battle between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, the 2025 NBA Finals are one step closer to crowning a new champion.

Tied 2-2 in the series entering Game 5 on Monday, the Thunder dominated at home behind the dynamic performances of MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31 points) and Jalen Williams (40). Now leading 3-2, only one more victory stands between the Thunder and the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

The Pacers' biggest question revolves around the status of star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has a strained right calf and will undergo an MRI, as reported Tuesday by ESPN's Shams Charania. In Game 5, Haliburton scored only four points -- the lowest total of his playoff career -- to go with six assists and seven rebounds.

Our NBA insiders answer some of the biggest questions entering a potential Finals-clinching Game 6 in Indianapolis on Thursday, including how the Pacers can force a Game 7 and the biggest X factors to watch for.

Read more of ESPN's story HERE