The rematch of the 2025 NBA Finals is set for tonight, though both teams look vastly different due to a staggering number of injuries. While the Oklahoma City Thunder (37-8) are dominating the league, the Indiana Pacers (10-35) are struggling in the wake of Tyrese Haliburton’s season-ending injury.
Game Information
- Date/Time: Friday, Jan 23, 2026 | 8:00 PM ET
- Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
- TV/Streaming: FDSOK, FDSIN, Prime Video
- Betting Odds: Thunder -15.5 | Over/Under: 227
Key Storylines
- The Injury Crisis: This game is missing a massive amount of star power. Indiana is without Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) and Bennedict Mathurin (thumb). Meanwhile, OKC is playing without Jalen Williams (hamstring), Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus), and defensive specialist Alex Caruso (adductor).
- SGA’s Scoring Tear: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off a 40-point performance against the Bucks and previously dropped 55 points on Indiana earlier this season in a double-overtime thriller.
- Rebuilding vs. Contending: Since their Finals meeting last June, these teams have moved in opposite directions. OKC holds the best record in the NBA, while the injury-riddled Pacers have fallen to 15th in the Eastern Conference.
Projected Starting Lineups
| Position | Indiana Pacers | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| G | Andrew Nembhard | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander |
| G | Ethan Thompson | Cason Wallace |
| F | Aaron Nesmith | Luguentz Dort |
| F | Pascal Siakam | Chet Holmgren |
| C | Jay Huff | Kenrich Williams |
What to Watch For
- Siakam vs. Holmgren: With so many guards out, Pascal Siakam is Indiana’s primary engine. He’ll have to contend with Chet Holmgren’s elite rim protection.
- Turnover Battle: OKC leads the league in forcing turnovers. Without their primary playmaker in Haliburton, the Pacers’ backcourt (Nembhard and Thompson) will be under immense pressure.
- OKC’s Bench Depth: Even with several key rotation players out, the Thunder have found production from young players like Cason Wallace. Indiana’s depth is currently being tested to its limit.
The Thunder are massive favorites for a reason. Despite their own injuries, their defensive system remains the best in the league, and the Pacers simply lack the healthy offensive weapons to keep up for four quarters.
Pick: UNDER 227 (-110) at Betonline Sportsbook. Sign Up HERE for a $250 Bonus!
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