As the Oklahoma City Thunder prepare for the Indiana Pacers, the circus that typically surrounds the NBA Finals is brand new for most of the roster. Even Alex Caruso — the lone champion on their roster — had a unique experience in The Bubble.

Tyrese Haliburton is someone Lu Dort and the Thunder intend to contain heading into their NBA Finals clash vs. the Pacers.

The Thunder swept the two head-to-head meetings between the clubs this season. Game 1 of the finals is Thursday night in Oklahoma City.

Jarace Walker will miss a least the first two games of the NBA Finals with a sprained right ankle, Rick Carlisle said in a radio interview Monday.

THE INDIANA PACERS The pace has officially been set in the Eastern Conference, and no one could keep up. In fact, no one came close. The Pacers are headed to the NBA Finals to face the Thunder after dispatching the Knicks,