Context:

The 79th NBA Finals series kicks off with Game 1 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers in Oklahoma City. Historically, winning Game 1 doesn't ensure a championship, as only 71% of Game 1 winners have gone on to win the title. For the Thunder, a win at home in Game 1 is particularly promising, as teams that win their first game at home have a 78% success rate of clinching the series. Conversely, if the Pacers manage to win on the road, their chances of winning the title increase, though historically, only 44% of teams that win Game 1 on the road have secured the championship. The Thunder's previous NBA Finals appearance serves as a cautionary tale, where despite a Game 1 home victory against the Miami Heat, they ultimately lost the series as LeBron James secured his first championship.

Dive Deeper:

• The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers are set to face off in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, marking the start of the 79th championship series in league history, which has evolved in its naming over the years.

• Winning Game 1 of the NBA Finals historically does not guarantee the championship, with only 71% of Game 1 winners eventually securing the title.

• A victory for the Thunder in Game 1 at home is statistically significant, as teams achieving this have won the series 78% of the time, making it a strong indicator of potential success.

• For the Pacers, a Game 1 win on the road would significantly boost their chances, although historically, only 44% of such teams have gone on to win the series.

• The Thunder's last NBA Finals appearance serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the series, as they won Game 1 at home against the Miami Heat but subsequently lost the next four games, paving the way for LeBron James's first championship.