Tonight the Thunder return in Indy for a rematch of NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indiana’s 2025-26 season opener. The matchup is a quick reminder of how last season ended: the Thunder raising the Larry O’Brien Trophy and the Pacers wondering how close they were.

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Oklahoma City enters Thursday night already battle-tested after an emotional double-overtime win over Houston on opening night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, delivered 35 points, including the game-winning free throws with 2.3 seconds left.

“It’s the kind of win that keeps you sharp early,” head coach Mark Daigneault said postgame. “We had to dig deep right out of the gate.”Last Time Out

Oklahoma City opened its title defense in storybook fashion Tuesday night, celebrating its championship banner and rings before outlasting Houston 125–124 in double overtime. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shook off a quiet first half to score 35 points, including the game-winning free throws after drawing Kevin Durant’s sixth foul with 2.3 seconds left. Chet Holmgren added 28 points and nine rebounds as the Thunder rallied from an early deficit, showing poise and resilience on an emotional night at Paycom Center.

The Haliburton Factor

Indiana will be without star guard Tyrese Haliburton for the season as he recovers from a torn Achilles suffered in Game 7 of the Finals. The Pacers’ offense now runs through Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin, with Pascal Siakam carrying a bigger scoring load. Siakam shot a scorching 58% from three during the preseason.

Thunder Depth Will Be Tested

The defending champs aren’t at full strength either. Oklahoma City’s injury list is lengthy, Isaiah Joe, Nikola Topic, Thomas Sorber, Jalen Williams, and Kenrich Williams are all out, while Dort is now available, while Cason Wallace remains a game-time decision.

Alex Caruso is out with concussion symptoms.

That puts added pressure on Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren, who both played heavy minutes on Tuesday. Still, Daigneault’s system has always thrived on balance and adaptability.

“We’ve built this thing on depth,” Daigneault said earlier this week. “Guys know their roles and can step in when called.”
Game Info

Date: Thursday, Oct. 23

Time: 6:30 p.m. CT

Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse Indianapolis, IN

TV: ESPN

Thunder Raise the Banner, Outlast Durant and Rockets in Double Overtime Classic