Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction | 01.23.26

Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 23-01-2026

Get ready for a compelling regular-season matchup as the struggling Indiana Pacers (10-35) travel to face the dominant Oklahoma City Thunder (37-8) on January 23, 2026, at 8:00 PM EST, live from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. This game pits one of the league’s top contenders against a team decimated by injuries, promising a potentially lopsided affair.

Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Matchup Preview

Indiana Pacers Key Stats & Trends

The Indiana Pacers arrive in Oklahoma City in dire straits, reflected by their 10-35 record. Their offensive engine has been severely hampered by injuries, forcing a heavy burden onto their remaining stars. Pascal Siakam leads the team with an impressive 23.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, showcasing his all-around impact with a rating of 23.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG. However, without key playmakers, Siakam’s efficiency is often stretched. Andrew Nembhard has stepped up to lead in assists with 7.1 APG, but the team struggles with consistent scoring and defensive solidity, contributing to their poor road record.

Injury Report Indiana Pacers

• Bennedict Mathurin (Out): Mathurin (thumb) has been ruled out for Friday’s game against the Thunder.
• Quenton Jackson (Day-to-day): Jackson (ankle) is questionable for Friday’s game against the Thunder.
• Obi Toppin (Out): Toppin will undergo surgery to place a screw in his right foot Monday.
• Tyrese Haliburton (Out): Haliburton will miss the entire 2025-26 season while recovering from surgery on his right Achilles tendon.

Oklahoma City Thunder Key Stats & Trends

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a legitimate championship contender, boasting an outstanding 37-8 record, anchored by their MVP-caliber guard. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the undisputed leader, averaging a phenomenal 32.0 points and 6.3 assists per game, with a comprehensive rating of 32.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG. His ability to score efficiently and create for others makes the Thunder’s offense elite. Rookie sensation Chet Holmgren has been a revelation, dominating the glass with 8.4 rebounds per game and providing crucial rim protection. Despite some recent injuries, OKC’s depth and home-court advantage make them formidable opponents, especially against a depleted Pacers squad.

Injury Report Oklahoma City Thunder

• Isaiah Hartenstein (Out): Hartenstein (calf) won’t play in Friday’s game against Indiana.
• Jaylin Williams (Day-to-day): Williams (back) is questionable for Friday’s game versus the Pacers.
• Aaron Wiggins (Day-to-day): Wiggins (groin) is questionable for Friday’s game against the Pacers.
• Ajay Mitchell (Out): Mitchell is out for Friday’s game against Indiana with an abdominal strain.
• Alex Caruso (Out): Caruso (adductor) won’t play Friday versus the Pacers.
• Jalen Williams (Out): Williams (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
• Nikola Topic (Out): Topic has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
• Thomas Sorber (Out): Sorber has sustained a torn ACL in his right knee during an offseason workout.

Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction & Best Bet

This matchup presents a stark contrast in team health and performance. The Indiana Pacers are severely handicapped by the season-ending injury to their star point guard, Tyrese Haliburton, alongside the absence of Bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin. While Pascal Siakam is a fantastic player, he cannot compensate for the immense talent void. The Oklahoma City Thunder, despite some rotational injuries, still boast an MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a dominant interior presence in Chet Holmgren. Their home record and overall dominance make this an easy pick.

We predict the Oklahoma City Thunder will win convincingly. Our best bet for this game is Oklahoma City Thunder -16.5 (Spread). The Pacers simply lack the firepower and depth to keep pace with the Thunder’s high-octane offense and stingy defense. Regarding the total points line of 226.5, the Thunder’s offensive efficiency, combined with potential garbage-time scoring in a blowout, suggests a higher-scoring affair. Therefore, we pick the over.