The Pacers tip off their 2025-26 campaign on Thursday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with a marquee rematch against the team that denied them the title, the defending champion Thunder.
Oklahoma City opened its season in thrilling fashion on Tuesday, edging the Houston Rockets 125-124 in a double-overtime nail-biter to begin their championship defense.
Indiana enters this season facing a major challenge without star floor general Tyrese Haliburton, who's sidelined for the year while recovering from the torn Achilles he suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. His absence reshapes the Pacers' identity, but it also opens the door for others to step into the spotlight.
Andrew Nembhard will take on a heavier load as the team's primary playmaker and perimeter defender, while Bennedict Mathurin looks to make his mark as a full-time starter.
Pascal Siakam, meanwhile, looks ready for liftoff. The veteran forward was red-hot in the preseason, drilling 58% of his threes and shooting 62.5% from the field over three games, a promising sign for Indiana's offense without Haliburton at the helm.
Still, Thursday's opener is no easy assignment. The Thunder remain a powerhouse, though they'll arrive in Indianapolis with a banged-up roster and some tired legs after their double-overtime thriller, three of their five starters logged 40-plus minutes in that game.
Finals MVP and reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 35 points (30 of them after halftime), five rebounds, and five assists in a masterful performance.
Here's what you need to know about the NBA game between the Pacers and the Thunder, including broadcast information and start time.
Where to watch Pacers vs. Thunder today: Channel, live stream
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: ESPN app
The Pacers vs. Thunder NBA game will air nationally on ESPN in the United States. Fans can stream the game on ESPN app.
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Pacers vs. Thunder start time
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 23
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | 6:30 p.m. CT
Pacers vs. Thunder will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Oct. 23. The game will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Pacers vs. Thunder radio station
- National radio channels: SiriusXM channel 86 (home), online (away)
You can listen to the Pacers vs. Thunder live on SiriusXM. Coverage will be available on channels 86 (Indiana Pacers) and online (Oklahoma City Thunder).
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Pacers schedule 2025
The Pacers begin their regular-season slate on Thursday, Oct. 23. Here's a look at the first five games on their schedule.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 23, 2025 | vs. Thunder | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |
| Oct. 25, 2025 | at Grizzlies | 8:00 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 26, 2025 | at Timberwolves | 7:00 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 29, 2025 | at Mavericks | 8:30 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 31, 2025 | vs. Hawks | 7:00 p.m. | — |
Thunder schedule 2025
The Thunder begin their regular-season slate on Thursday, Oct. 23. Here's a look at the first five games on their schedule.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 23, 2025 | at Pacers | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, Fubo |
| Oct. 25, 2025 | at Hawks | 7:30 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Oct. 27, 2025 | at Mavericks | 8:30 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 28, 2025 | vs. Kings | 8:00 p.m. | — |
| Oct. 30, 2025 | vs. Wizards | 8:00 p.m. | — |
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