With the NBA and NHL seasons concluded and new champions crowned, let`s review how the premier simulation video games for each sport fared in predicting the final results.
NBA 2K25 Prediction Review
NBA 2K25 demonstrated notable accuracy by correctly identifying the Oklahoma City Thunder as the eventual champions over the Indiana Pacers. While the winner was right, the simulation`s predicted series length of 4-2 for OKC was slightly different from the actual, closer outcome.
Here are the specific game-by-game predictions from the NBA 2K25 simulation:
- 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
A deeper look at the Game 2 prediction reveals interesting details. Although the simulated score (OKC 111 – Pacers 93) differed from the real result (OKC 123 – Pacers 107), the predicted point differential of 18 points was remarkably close to the actual differential of 16 points. Furthermore, some of the simulated winning scores mirrored the actual final scores achieved by the Pacers in Game 1 and OKC in Game 4.
Overall, the NBA 2K25 simulation provided a commendable forecast for the finals, accurately predicting both the champion and the Finals MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
NHL 25 Prediction Review
In contrast, EA Sports` NHL 25 did not achieve the same level of predictive success. Its accuracy issues began even before the finals, as it failed to correctly predict a single team reaching the Stanley Cup semifinals.
The hockey simulation predicted the Edmonton Oilers would defeat the Florida Panthers in the final with a 4-3 series score, including a simulated comeback from a 3-1 deficit. None of these predicted outcomes aligned with the actual events of the series.
Below is the initial game-by-game prediction from NHL 25:
- 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
Regarding specific game details, NHL 25 predicted only one instance of overtime throughout the series (in Game 5). The real series, however, featured three overtime games, including one that went to double overtime (with none of the overtime games occurring in Game 5 as predicted). Furthermore, the simulation incorrectly predicted Leon Draisaitl as the Conn Smythe Trophy winner; the award was actually given to the Panthers` Sam Bennett.
Callum Darby 
Finley Holt