Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder (Image via Getty) The Indiana Pacers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 23, 2026, at Paycom Center. It is their first meeting in Oklahoma City since last season’s NBA Finals. The Thunder won that series and have followed it up with one of the league’s best records.Oklahoma City enters the night at 37-8, firmly in control of the Western Conference. Indiana, at 10-35, is on the other end of the standings and still trying to stay competitive after a season defined by injuries. With both teams missing multiple rotation players, this game is less about ideal lineups and more about who can manage the gaps better.
Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report (January 23, 2026)
Indiana Pacers’ biggest loss remains Tyrese Haliburton, who tore his right Achilles in Game 7 of the Finals last year and is out for the season. Obi Toppin is sidelined with a right foot stress fracture and is expected back in early February. Bennedict Mathurin is out with a sprained right thumb and is targeting a January 26 return. Quenton Jackson is questionable after spraining his right ankle against Boston.The Oklahoma City Thunder are also short-handed. Jalen Williams is out with a right hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Ajay Mitchell are all unavailable. Aaron Wiggins and Jaylin Williams are listed as questionable. Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber remain out long term.
Players to Watch in Tonight’s Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game (January 23, 2026)
Indiana Pacers’ offense runs through Pascal Siakam, who is averaging 23.8 points and seven rebounds. Oklahoma City relies on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is scoring around 30 points per game. He scored a career-high 55 points against Indiana earlier this season. Chet Holmgren takes on a larger role inside with Hartenstein out, while both benches are expected to log heavier minutes than usual.
Series History Favors the Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder lead the all-time regular-season series 56-46. The teams met once earlier this season, with the Thunder winning 141-135 in Indiana on October 23, 2025. Last season’s Finals ended with a 103-91 Thunder win in Game 7. Over the last 14 meetings, Indiana is 6-8, but current form strongly favors Oklahoma City.
Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Team Stats Comparison
Stat (PPG unless noted)Pacers (10-35)Thunder (37-8) Points Scored 109.9 121.4 (1st) Points Allowed 118.3 ~102.3 FG% 44.2% Higher efficiency 3PT% 34.0% Strong Rebounds 42.8 Dominant Net Rating -8.4 (28th) Elite (1st West)
What to Expect in Tonight’s Pacers vs Thunder Game (January 23, 2026)
Oklahoma City is favored by 14.5 points, with the total set at 226.5. Even with several key players out, the Thunder’s depth and home record give them a clear edge. Indiana’s short-handed roster makes an upset unlikely, but the number of absences on both sides could lead to unexpected lineups and extended minutes for role players.