NBA: Pacers flight diverted from Oklahoma City after tornado warning

FILE–Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers celebrates with the Bob Cousy Trophy after the 125-108 win against the New York Knicks in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 31, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images/AFP

The Indiana Pacers have waited 25 years to return to the NBA Finals, but they will have to wait a little longer as the team’s arrival to Oklahoma City was delayed by weather.

While the Pacers’ charter flight was in the air on Tuesday, forecasters issued a tornado warning, flood watch and severe thunderstorm watch for Oklahoma City and surrounding areas.

READ: NBA Finals drought over, Pacers look to overcome snake-bitten history

At least one tornado was spotted in Norman, Oklahoma, roughly 20 miles south of Oklahoma City, but it was not immediately known whether the tornado touched down or caused damage.

Indiana’s flight was diverted to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the plane was refueled. The team expected to arrive in Oklahoma City later Tuesday evening.

The Pacers, making the franchise’s second-ever appearance in the Finals and first since 2000, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are scheduled to appear at NBA Finals media day on Wednesday at Paycom Center, which will be the stage for Thursday’s Game 1. –Field Level Media