The schedule makers definitely have a sense of humor. Or maybe they just love drama. When the Pacers vs OKC next game tips off on Friday, January 23, 2026, it won't just be another mid-season Friday night clash at the Paycom Center. It’s a rematch of the 2025 NBA Finals.
Yeah, you remember that one. Seven games of absolute chaos that ended with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hoisting the MVP trophy while Indiana fans watched their hearts get ripped out in a 103-91 Game 7 loss.
But things are different now. Like, really different.
Indiana is struggling. Honestly, "struggling" might be an understatement. They are currently sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 9-31 record. Meanwhile, the Thunder are basically playing a different sport, sitting at 33-7 and looking like they might sleepwalk to another #1 seed.
The Tyrese Haliburton Sized Hole in the Roster
If you’re looking for the reason why the Pacers went from Finals contenders to the draft lottery conversation, look no further than the injury report. It’s brutal. Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season with a torn right Achilles.
He went down in the first quarter of that Game 7 against OKC back in June. It was one of those non-contact injuries that makes everyone in the arena go silent. Without him, the Pacers' offense has plummeted to 29th in the league in offensive rating.
They also lost Myles Turner to the Bucks in free agency. Replacing a rim-protecting, floor-spacing center and an All-NBA point guard at the same time? Good luck. Rick Carlisle has been trying to piece it together with Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin, but it’s been a rough ride.
Mathurin has been a bright spot, though. He dropped 36 on OKC in their season opener—a double-overtime thriller that the Thunder eventually won 141-135. That game showed that Indy still has some fight, but they lack the closing power to beat elite teams consistently.
Why OKC is the Scariest Team in the League
Oklahoma City is currently a juggernaut. They started the season 24-1. That’s not a typo. They tied the 2016 Warriors for the best start in NBA history.
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SGA is SGA. He’s averaging nearly 31 points per game and looks like the frontrunner for another MVP. But it’s the defense that’s truly terrifying. Mark Daigneault has the Thunder ranked #1 in defensive efficiency. They have active hands everywhere.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leading the league in "clutch" scoring.
- Chet Holmgren is a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
- Jalen Williams has taken another leap into borderline All-Star territory.
The Thunder don't just beat you; they exhaust you. They play at a pace that forces you into mistakes, and then they punish those mistakes with transition threes.
Recent Matchup History
The Thunder have owned this matchup lately. They won both regular-season meetings last year and took the Finals in seven. When they met earlier this season on October 23, it took two overtimes, but OKC still walked away with the W.
Indiana's defense gives up about 118 points per game. That’s a recipe for disaster against an OKC team that scores 121.3 on average.
What to Watch for on January 23
Basically, if Indiana wants to keep this competitive, they need Pascal Siakam to be the best player on the floor. Siakam has been steady, but he’s been forced into a primary playmaker role that doesn't always suit his game without Haliburton there to draw gravity.
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Watch the turnover battle. OKC thrives on live-ball turnovers. If Nembhard and Mathurin are loose with the ball, this game will be over by halftime.
Current Injuries to Track
Aside from Haliburton, the Pacers are dealing with a few other knocks. Obi Toppin is out with a stress fracture in his right foot. Isaiah Jackson is in concussion protocol.
The Thunder are relatively healthy, which is almost unfair given how deep they already are.
Key Matchups
- SGA vs. The Pacers' Perimeter: Who even guards him? Andrew Nembhard is a tough defender, but Shai has a way of getting to his spots regardless of who is in front of him.
- Chet Holmgren vs. Pascal Siakam: This is a fascinating battle of lengths. Chet is a better rim protector, but Siakam’s veteran savvy and strength could give the youngster some trouble in the post.
- The Bench Mob: OKC’s bench, led by Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins, consistently outplays opposing starters. Indiana’s depth has been tested by injuries, and they might run out of gas in the second half.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to follow the Pacers vs OKC next game, here is what you need to do:
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- Check the Final Injury Report: Monitor Andrew Nembhard’s back soreness. If he’s out, Indiana will be down to third-string playmakers.
- Watch the First Quarter: Indiana tends to start strong but fade late. If they aren't within 5 points at the end of the first, it's going to be a long night for them in Loud City.
- Broadcast Info: The game will likely be on FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally Sports) in both markets, or check for national coverage if the "Finals Rematch" narrative picks up steam.
- Look at the Spread: Given the 33-7 vs 9-31 records, expect OKC to be a massive favorite, likely double digits. If the spread is under 10, the books might be hinting at a trap game.
The gap between these two teams has never been wider. But in the NBA, "next game" always offers a chance for an upset, especially when there's a championship grudge involved. Don't expect a blowout right away—Indiana still plays hard for Carlisle—but the talent deficit is real.