INDIANAPOLIS — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder will face the Indiana Pacers on the road at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
It’s a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals. The Thunder won that series in seven games to secure its first championship in team history.
Neither team will be at full strength for Thursday’s contest. OKC’s Jalen Williams continues to recover from wrist surgery, while Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton is expected to miss all of this season due to a torn Achilles.
OKC enters the matchup with a 1-0 record following a 125-124 home win over the Houston Rockets in double overtime on Tuesday. This is Indiana’s first game of the season.
Order new book on Thunder’s run to NBA title
2:46 left in double overtime: Thunder 132, Pacers 128 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hits 50-point mark for fifth time in NBA career
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sinks the layup, and he now has 51 points. OKC is up 132 to 128 with 2:46 remaining. What a game.
End of overtime: Thunder 124, Pacers 124 | OKC is first team in NBA history to have consecutive double-overtime games to start season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s layup is no good, and we’re going to a second overtime. Again.
End of regulation: Thunder 113, Pacers 113 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC heading to OT again, this time against Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana
Indiana brings the double team as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander heaves a deep 3-pointer, and it’s off. We’re going to overtime. Again. Free basketball. You gotta love it.
4:49 left in fourth quarter: Pacers 104, Thunder 101 | No Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith … no problem for Pacers
Jarace Walker hits the stepback shot, and Indiana has claimed a 104-101 lead with 4:49 left in the game. No Tyrese Haliburton. No Andrew Nembhard. No Aaron Nesmith. Same Pacers. They just keep fighting.
End of the third quarter: Thunder 81, Pacers 78 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander closing in on another 30-point game
The Thunder weathered the storm that quarter after briefly losing its lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has 29 points in 25 minutes. Aaron Wiggins is helping out with 15 points. One more quarter.
Halftime: Thunder 54, Pacers 47 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell give OKC lead in road debut
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 21 points and 3 boards
- Ajay Mitchell: 10 points and 2 boards
- Chet Holmgren: 5 points and 2 steals
We’re up to 40 total free-throw attempts by OKC (22) and Indiana (18). The fans aren’t happy, and they’re making that known.
End of the first quarter: Pacers 25, Thunder 22 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Pascal Siakam off to hot start in NBA Finals rematch
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 10 points and 1 steal
- Ajay Mitchell: 4 points and 2 rebounds
- Chet Holmgren: 2 points and 2 steals
Pascal Siakam leads Indy with 11 points. He’s too quick for bigger defenders and a bully against smaller ones. So underrated.
What time is Thunder vs Pacers game tonight? When is Thunder-Pacers NBA game tonight?
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 23
- Time: 6:30 p.m. CT
- Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis
What channel is OKC Thunder vs Indiana Pacers on tonight? Where to watch Thunder-Pacers NBA game live on TV, streaming
- TV: ESPN and FanDuel Sports Network
- How to watch online: Fubo (free trial)
Thunder vs Pacers predictions, picks
Justin Martinez: OKC 117, Indiana 112
Tyrese Haliburton, the engine to Indiana’s high-octane offense, is still injured. And Myles Turner, its rim-protecting center, now plays for Milwaukee. He’ll likely be replaced at the five by 6-8 forward Isaiah Jackson or even 6-9 forward Obi Toppin. I’m expecting a big night from Chet Holmgren, who’ll look to capitalize on the size mismatch. Give me OKC on the road.
Thunder vs Pacers betting odds
Odds via BetMGM as of Thursday, Oct. 23
- Odds: OKC by 7.5
- Over/under: 231.5
- Moneyline: OKC -300 | Indiana +240
Thunder vs Pacers injury updates
- Thunder: Alex Caruso (concussion protocol) is out. Isaiah Joe (left knee contusion) is out. Thomas Sorber (ACL surgical recovery) is out. Nikola Topić (surgical recovery) is out. Cason Wallace (left knee sprain) is out. Jalen Williams (right wrist surgical recovery) is out. Kenrich Williams (left knee surgical recovery) is out.
- Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton (right Achilles tendon tear) is out. Quenton Jackson (right hamstring strain) is out. Kam Jones (lower back stress reaction) is out. T.J. McConnell (left hamstring strain) is out.
Projected OKC Thunder starters
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Lu Dort
- Aaron Wiggins
- Chet Holmgren
- Isaiah Hartenstein
Projected Indiana Pacers starters
- Andrew Nembhard
- Bennedict Mathurin
- Aaron Nesmith
- Pascal Siakam
- Isaiah Jackson
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
