It’s an NBA Finals rematch this evening as the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Tyrese Haliburton-less Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
My Thunder vs. Pacers predictions are eyeing Pascal Siakam to show out in the season opener as he takes on a primary role due to Haliburton’s injury.
Read more in my NBA picks for Thursday, October 23.
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Thunder vs Pacers prediction
Thunder vs Pacers best bet: Pascal Siakam Over 20.5 points (-105)
The Indiana Pacers simply wouldn’t have made the NBA Finals if it weren’t for Pascal Siakam. He played a crucial part in their season, averaging 20.2 points across 78 contests. The veteran also balled out in the playoffs, averaging 20.5 PPG.
With Tyrese Haliburton on the shelf, it creates a clear opportunity for Siakam to step up and be the main man for the Pacers. While another Finals run is unlikely without their franchise cornerstone, Siakam has every chance to chase an All-Star nod with an increased workload.
Siakam averaged 19.2 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder across seven games in the Finals. He’s also cashed the Over in two of his last three regular-season meetings with the Thunder. I’ll take the Cameroonian to perform at a high level tonight.
Thunder vs Pacers same-game parlay
We’ll shift over to the defending champions for my SGP. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander picked up right where he left off in the season opener, showing out for 35 points in a thrilling 2OT victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night.
SGA is, of course, coming off a league MVP and Finals MVP, averaging 32.7 PPG in ‘24-25. He’s a true superstar, and the Canadian scores with ease. The Pacers aren’t the same team he faced in the Finals, and even then, he averaged right around 30 PPG. Also, SGA cashed the Over in both regular-season meetings with Indy last year.
Chet Holmgren missed substantial time last season due to injury, but he still averaged 15 PPG across 32 games. The big man also erupted in the season opener, dropping 28 points on Houston.
His total sits at just 17.5 here, and Indiana’s frontcourt is definitely weaker after Myles Turner's departure.
Thunder vs Pacers SGP
- Pascal Siakam Over 20.5 points
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 32.5 points
- Chet Holmgren Over 17.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Spicy Pass
With Haliburton out, Siakam will also need to rise to the occasion as a playmaker. He averaged just 3.4 dimes last season, but Indiana has to make up for the loss of their top facilitator. Siakam has shown the ability to pass the rock before.
Thunder vs Pacers SGP
- Pascal Siakam Over 20.5 points
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 32.5 points
- Chet Holmgren Over 17.5 points
- Pascal Siakam Over 3.5 assists
Thunder vs Pacers odds
- Spread: Thunder -7.5 (-110) | Pacers +7.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Thunder -305 | Pacers +245
- Over/Under: Over 232 (-110) | Under 232 (-110)
Thunder vs Pacers betting trend to know
The Oklahoma City Thunder have hit the Team Total Under in 10 of their last 11 away games (+8.95 Units / 72% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Pacers.
How to watch Thunder vs Pacers
| Location | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN |
| Date | Thursday, October 23, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Thunder vs Pacers latest injuries
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