It’s opening night. Oklahoma City is presenting the 2025 NBA Finals banner. Thunder players are receiving their championship rings. It’s going to be crazy at the Paycom Center. After all of that, there’s still a game to be played, and even though the Rockets are a young squad ready to take the next step, OKC is still the favorite to repeat as champions. Both teams are missing a key starter—Jalen Williams is out for OKC, and Fred VanVleet is out for Houston—plus Kevin Durant will be in the building for his debut with the Rockets. When it comes down to it, the Thunder is a deeper team, and they are going to get a solid win for the home crowd on opening night.