Thunder vs Pacers: Injury Report, Possible Starting 5, Where to Watch & More on Thursday’s NBA Game

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers are set to square off tonight, with fresh ambitions high on both sides. Thunder enters this matchup riding the momentum of a dominant first win of the season against the Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, the Pacers are looking to close the gap on a team that just edged them in the NBA Finals last season.

For Oklahoma City, this game offers an opportunity to reaffirm its place among the league’s elite. They are here after compiling a stellar regular-season record and navigating a challenging playoff path. Now they’ll be motivated to show they can sustain this level of performance. On the flip side, Indiana has plenty to gain. It is going to be an interesting run.

Injury Report for Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers

As the Thunder and Pacers gear up for their much-anticipated season opener, both teams are entering the matchup with significant injury concerns.

For Indiana, the absence of Tyrese Haliburton looms large. He is out for the season after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of last season’s Finals. Alongside Haliburton, the Pacers will also be without Quenton Jackson due to a right hamstring strain.

T.J. McConnell is also out due to left hamstring strain, and Kam  Jones has a lower-back stress reaction for this game. The net effect will be on Indiana’s backcourt. The depth is thin; their ball-handling and primary playmaking responsibilities will shift.

On the Thunder side, well, the injury list is lengthy and extensive.

• Alex Caruso: He entered concussion protocol after the season-opener and is out for Thursday’s game. As of the October 23 report, he is listed as out for the night, with his status in the concussion protocol being day-to-day.
• Nikola Topic: Topic is out for surgical recovery as he underwent a testicular procedure and is expected to be re-evaluated in four to six weeks.
• Thomas Sorber: Thomas Sorber suffered from a torn ACL on September 4, 2025, and is on his recovery trajectory. 
• Kenrich Williams: Out for left knee surgery.
• Jalen Williams: Out for wrist surgery recovery. However, he is not expected to miss the game for an extended period of time. 
• Cason Wallace: He was listed as questionable with a left knee sprain for Thursday’s game against the Pacers. His status for that game remains uncertain.
• Luguentz Dort: He is listed as questionable with a left ankle sprain.
• Isaiah Joe: He is listed as out with a left knee contusion for Thursday’s game.

Predicted starting fives – Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers

The Thunder are missing several rotation players; despite that, they will rely on their core five, who logged heavy minutes in last season’s playoff run. Indiana, meanwhile, will lean on a slightly revamped lineup.

Oklahoma City Thunder

Indiana Pacers

Where to watch the Thunder vs the Pacers matchup live

Tonight’s matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers promises to be a hotly contested affair. It is the regular season, and every team will aim to establish early‑season momentum. Fans are in for an energetic face-off.

Date & Time: Thursday, October 23, 2025, Tip‑off at 7:30 p.m. ET. 

Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN.

Where to watch: Nationally, the game is available via ESPN. Regionally in Indiana, the broadcast is on FanDuel Sports Network Indiana (FDSIN). 

As we wait for tip‑off, it’s worth noting that the Thunder may look to impose their rhythm early, but the Pacers will be motivated to exploit any cracks in OKC’s rotation. Tonight should be a compelling watch.  Expect no shortage of energy from the start of the game.