The small markets get the big stage in the NBA Finals that begin Thursday. For Oklahoma City, it’s a second trip since moving from Seattle in 2008.

THE OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER AND THE INDIANA PACERS The NBA Finals are here, and they're going to be an absolute dandy. Tonight, the Thunder host the Pacers in Game 1 of what should be an enthralling matchup.

The Athletic's sports media reporters Andrew Marchand and Richard Deitsch preview the NBA Finals through its key media storylines.

The NBA Finals get underway tonight, with the Western conference champions Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Eastern conference champions Indiana Pacers in game one of a best-of-seven series.