OKC Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Preseason Game Prediction and Preview

The Indiana Pacers will take on the OKC Thunder in a rematch of the 2025 NBA Finals in one of four preseason games set to tip off on Saturday. This will be Indiana’s second preseason matchup.

They faced and defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in a thriller opening game on Wednesday. The Pacers squeaked by, winning 135-134 after overtime.

The 2025 NBA champions, meanwhile, have started the preseason strong, winning twice against the Charlotte Hornets and losing once to the Dallas Mavericks.

With Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren dealing with injuries, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be expected to lead OKC, although he will likely be playing limited minutes.

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OKC Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Preview, Predicted Starting Lineups and Prediction

The Pacers-Thunder game will tip off at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT). Fans can catch the live broadcast on FDSN. Alternatively, the matchup can be streamed with NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

Moneyline: Pacers (+160) vs Thunder (-240)

Odds: Pacers (+5.5) vs Thunder (-5.5)

Total: Pacers -110 (u232.5) vs Thunder -110 (o232.5)

Editor's note: Odds are accurate at the time of writing and may change closer to tip-off.

OKC Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Preview

It has been a difficult offseason for the Indiana Pacers, highlighted by the departure of Myles Turner, who joined conference rivals the Milwaukee Bucks.

With Turner no longer on the roster and Tyrese Haliburton set to miss the entirety of 2025-26, Indiana no longer has the same team that reached the NBA Finals last season.

The OKC Thunder, meanwhile, have done well to retain their championship core, extending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Ajay Mitchell, Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams this offseason.

The team did not make any new signings, only drafting Thomas Sorber and Brooks Barhinzer with the No. 15 and 44 picks, respectively.

With Nikola Topic returning in four to six weeks and two new rookies on the roster, the Thunder will essentially be fielding the same team that brought them the 2025 NBA championship. Much of the team’s success will depend on Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Holmgren.

OKC Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Predicted Starting Lineups

Pacers

G: Andrew Nembhard | G: Bennedict Mathurin | F: Aaron Nesmith | F: Pascal Siakam | C: Isaiah Jackson

Thunder

G: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | G: Luguentz Dort | F: Alex Caruso | F: Aaron Wiggins | C: Isaiah Hartenstein

OKC Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Prediction

The Thunder are heavy favorites to win Saturday’s game against the Indiana Pacers. With some of Indiana’s best players sidelined due to injuries, Pascal Siakam will struggle to carry the team against OKC.

Our prediction: The Thunder to win

About the author

Sameer is an esports and gaming journalist at Sportskeeda who covers a diverse range of topics. He is currently pursuing a BSc degree from BITS, but his love for video games pushed him to pursue a gaming journalism career. He relies on diligent research and fact-checking to deliver top-notch content. He has previously worked in the hospitality sector with the Oberoi Group.

Sameer’s gaming journey began with Rockstar Games’ GTA franchise, specifically
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. He strongly prefers multiplayer games, with FPS being his favorite genre, and has devoted 6K+ hours to CS:GO! However, he also dabbles in open-world, story-based games from time to time. Solo RPGs like Horizon Forbidden West hold a soft spot in his heart, and he would readily drop in it given a Jumanji-type scenario.

Sameer makes sure to follow Counter-Strike and Valorant esports tournaments, as he believes that watching a game being played at the highest level can be highly educational. He derives inspiration from Tarik's meteoric rise to become one of the biggest FPS streamers in the world following the release of Valorant.

Outside of work, you can find Sameer playing football or cheering for FC Barcelona. He also likes to read and write poetry.

Know More

Pacers Fan? Check out the latest Indiana Pacers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Edited by Sameer Khan

OKC Thunder vs Indiana Pacers Preseason Game Prediction and Preview | Oct. 11, 2025