With the NBA and NHL seasons concluding and new champions crowned, it`s an opportune moment to assess how well the leading video game simulations for each sport performed in forecasting the final outcomes.
NBA 2K25 successfully predicted the Oklahoma City Thunder would defeat the Indiana Pacers for the championship. Its prediction was remarkably close to reality, only differing by one game from the actual series result. While the real series was a close contest, the simulation predicted a slightly more comfortable 4-2 win for OKC.
As a reminder, here’s what NBA 2K25 predicted:
- Game 1: Pacers 121 – 108 Thunder
- Game 2: Thunder 111 – 93 Pacers
- Game 3: Thunder 102 – 100 Pacers
- Game 4: Pacers 120 – 109 Thunder
- Game 5: Thunder 113 – 108 Pacers
- Game 6: Thunder 119 – 113 Pacers
Looking at the individual game results predicted by NBA 2K25, Game 2 stands out. While the simulated score (Thunder 111 – 93 Pacers) didn`t match the real score (OKC 123 – 107 Pacers), the predicted point differential was very close to the actual margin. Additionally, the predicted scores for the winning teams in simulated Game 1 and Game 4 matched the actual winning scores in the real Game 1 (Pacers) and Game 4 (OKC) respectively.
Overall, NBA 2K25 provided a creditable prediction for the finals, accurately identifying Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the Finals MVP.
In contrast, EA Sports` NHL 25 simulation did not perform as successfully. It had already missed the mark completely by failing to predict any of the correct teams for the Stanley Cup semifinals.
NHL 25 predicted the Edmonton Oilers would defeat the Florida Panthers in a seven-game series (4-3), even forecasting a comeback from a 1-3 deficit. This outcome did not happen in reality.
Here’s the initial NHL 25 prediction:
- Game 1: Panthers 4 – 2 Oilers
- Game 2: Oilers 2 – 1 Panthers
- Game 3: Panthers 5 – 3 Oilers
- Game 4: Panthers 4 – 2 Oilers
- Game 5: Oilers 3 – 2 Panthers
- Game 6: Oilers 5 – 4 Panthers
- Game 7: Oilers 3 – 2 Panthers
The simulation predicted only one overtime game (Game 5), whereas the actual series featured three overtime contests, including one that went into double overtime (and none of the real overtimes occurred in Game 5). Furthermore, the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP) was awarded to Sam Bennett of the Panthers, contrary to the prediction that it would go to Leon Draisaitl of the Oilers.
