ESPN opinion: Charles Barkley Predicts Thunder Will “Smack the Pacers 64-42” in Wild NBA Finals Take

 

 

Charles Barkley Predicts Thunder Will “Smack the Pacers 64-42” in Wild NBA Finals Take

 

 

The NBA Finals are officially set: the Indiana Pacers, riding the wave of their underdog magic, will face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by rising superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But if you ask Charles Barkley how this series is going to go, don’t expect nuance — expect fireworks.

 

“Man, I love what the Pacers are doing,” Barkley said Tuesday night on Inside the NBA. “Tyrese Haliburton is a bad boy, Rick Carlisle’s coaching his behind off… but lemme tell you something. The Thunder are gonna smack ‘em. I’m talkin’ 64-42.”

 

Yes, you read that right. Barkley didn’t just predict a Thunder win — he threw out a score that sounds more like a college football halftime than an NBA Finals outcome.

 

Shaquille O’Neal nearly spit out his drink. Kenny Smith chuckled. Ernie Johnson blinked twice. But Barkley didn’t flinch.

 

“People always laugh at me when I make these picks,” Barkley went on. “But I watch basketball, America. I see a young Thunder team that plays defense, moves the ball, got a legit star in Shai, a rising baller in Jalen Williams, and the best shot-blocker in the league in Chet Holmgren. They hungry.”

 

While Barkley’s “64-42” call is more metaphorical than statistical, his larger point is clear: he sees the Thunder’s youth, depth, and defense as a serious matchup problem for Indiana.

 

“You look at the Pacers — great offense, fast pace, all that. But they don’t guard nobody. That’s gonna catch up to them when Shai starts dancing in the fourth quarter. And they ain’t got no answer for Chet in the paint,” Barkley added.

 

The Pacers have surprised the basketball world by blazing through the East behind Haliburton’s vision, Pascal Siakam’s experience, and a fearless bench mob. But their defense, ranked in the bottom half of the league all season, will be tested by a Thunder squad that led the league in steals and ranked third in net rating.

 

“People been sleepin’ on the Thunder all year,” Barkley said. “They’re not just happy to be here — they’re ready to win now. I think they sweep ‘em. You heard me: sweep. 4-0.”

 

When pressed by Ernie to walk back the “64-42” statement, Barkley just laughed.

 

“That’s the feeling, Ernie. Not the score. But honestly, if the Pacers only get 42, I wouldn’t be shocked.”

 

Social media, as expected, lit up with reactions ranging from disbelief to meme-making hysteria. The Pacers’ Twitter account playfully replied with an image of Haliburton holding up 42 fingers (digitally edited, of course). The Thunder’s official account simply posted a popcorn emoji.

 

Whether Barkley’s bold take holds water or not, one thing is certain: this Finals matchup — unexpected, fresh, and loaded with young stars — is already delivering big entertainment. Game 1 tips off Thursday night, and the whole basketball world will be watching — even if no one is expecting a final score of 64-42.

 

Then again… this is Chuck we’re talking about.