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Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
The Indiana Pacers open their season Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the same team that beat them in last year’s NBA Finals. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM ET on ESPN.
Indiana enters this matchup with a new identity. Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season, and Myles Turner departed in free agency. Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Pascal Siakam, and Aaron Nesmith now lead a retooled roster. Head coach Rick Carlisle emphasized “grit” as the team’s foundation, while preseason chemistry among the core offered optimism.
The Thunder opened their title defense with a 125-124 double-overtime win over Houston. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander struggled early but finished with 35 points, while Chet Holmgren added 28. Oklahoma City’s size and length again define its defensive edge.
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Line Movement and Odds
Oklahoma City opened as a 6.5-point favorite and has moved to -7.5 at most books, signaling sharper action on the Thunder. The total climbed from 228 to 230.5, with 61% of public tickets on the Over but heavier sharp money on the Over as well, suggesting pace expectations.
Current Odds (via NBA scores and odds):
- Spread: Thunder -7.5 (-112), Pacers +7.5 (-109)
- Moneyline: Thunder -305, Pacers +248
- Total: 230.5
Oklahoma City has covered in seven of its last nine road games, while Indiana is 2-5 ATS in its last seven season openers.
Matchup Breakdown
Oklahoma City’s balanced attack features elite spacing and rim protection. Holmgren and Jalen Williams complement Gilgeous-Alexander’s isolation play with defensive length and off-ball cutting. The Thunder rank top five in pace and effective field-goal percentage through one game, consistent with last season’s metrics.
Indiana’s offense flows through Nembhard and Mathurin. Expect Siakam to handle more playmaking duties with Haliburton sidelined. The Pacers will try to offset Oklahoma City’s rim pressure by shooting early in the clock, where they ranked top three in transition frequency last season.
The Pacers’ bench, led by Obi Toppin and rookie Johnny Furphy, will need to counter the Thunder’s depth. For more analytical insight, review the NBA expert betting guide
Injuries and Conditions
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Alex Caruso, concussion (out)
- Jalen Williams, wrist (questionable)
- Luguentz Dort, ankle (questionable)
- Cason Wallace, knee (questionable)
Indiana Pacers
- Tyrese Haliburton, knee (out for season)
- Quenton Jackson, hamstring (out)
- Kam Jones, back (out)
- T.J. McConnell, hamstring (out)
- Jarace Walker, back soreness (available)
- Johnny Furphy, ankle (available)
Check the latest updates on the Thunder injury report and Pacers injury report
No weather factors, as the game is indoors.
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Best Bets and Prediction
The Thunder’s continuity gives them a clear edge. Their ability to attack the paint and close out on shooters should wear down an Indiana team still defining its rotation. The Pacers’ injuries leave limited ballhandling options if Oklahoma City applies pressure.
ATS Trend: Oklahoma City 7-3 ATS in its last 10 road games.
Projected Score: Thunder 126, Pacers 118.
Best Bet: Thunder -7.5
Secondary Lean: Over 230.5
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