NBA Championship: Live updates, contenders, and how the Finals shape up

The race to the NBA Championship is heating up. This tag page collects our best coverage of the playoffs, big upsets, and Finals previews so you know who’s winning, who’s surprising, and what matters next.

After a dramatic conference finals run, the Indiana Pacers punched their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2000. Pascal Siakam led the charge in Game 6, turning in a 31-point night while Tyrese Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard delivered timely plays. The Pacers now head into the title series full of momentum and matchup questions that will define the Finals.

Over in the West, the Golden State Warriors shocked the Houston Rockets in a Game 7 classic. Buddy Hield poured in 33 points to close the series, and the Warriors’ depth and veteran poise pushed them into the next round. Golden State’s win proves a Game 7 can flip expectations and reshape the list of genuine title threats.

Who’s still standing?

Right now, teams with clear paths to the championship include the Pacers in the East and the Warriors among Western contenders. But don’t count out younger squads. Momentum, injuries, and matchups matter more than regular-season form. Look for how coaches adjust rotations, protect stars, and exploit weaknesses on defense. Those tweaks decide long series.

How to watch, bet, and follow the Finals

Want to catch the action? Check broadcast schedules and streaming options early—big games sell out fast and regional blackouts can surprise viewers. For fans thinking about tickets, midweek games often have lower prices than weekend showdowns. If you’re planning a watch party, pick venues with clear audio and large screens; close finishes are more fun when you can hear the whistle.

If you follow betting lines, watch injuries and minutes-rest reports. Small lineup changes swing spreads quickly. If you prefer fantasy or player props, target consistent scorers and rebounders—players who do a bit of everything tend to hold value across series.

Matchups to watch are clear: who guards the star scorer, and which bench lineups can change tempo. The Pacers will test opponents with Siakam’s post work and Haliburton’s court vision, forcing teams to decide whether to double inside or risk open threes. In the West, a team like Golden State can swing games with shooting depth—if opposing defenses don’t rotate fast, games open up quickly. Keep an eye on rebound battles and transition defense; second-chance points and fast-break buckets decide tight games. Coaching depth matters too — teams with reliable role players who understand situational fouling, offensive spacing, and late-clock execution often steal close contests. Don’t forget fatigue: long playoff minutes add up, and rotations that manage rest without losing rhythm often win seven-game series. Expect surprises and memorable moments every single night.

We’ll keep updating this tag with game recaps, player interviews, injury notes, and prediction pieces. Bookmark this page for straight-to-the-point updates on the NBA Championship chase and the stories that matter off the court too.