New York Knicks v Indiana Pacers - Game Six

Aaron Nesmith of the Indiana Pacers dunks the ball against the New York Knicks during the third quarter in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 31 in Indianapolis.

 Getty Images/Justin Casterline

Two players with Nashville ties will seek their first championship rings when the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder begin Thursday (7:30 p.m. CT, ABC).

Former Vanderbilt forward Aaron Nesmith and ex-Belmont guard Ben Sheppard hope to boost the Pacers to a third straight series upset.

New York Knicks v Indiana Pacers - Game Four

Ben Sheppard (No. 26) guards Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 27 in Indianapolis.