The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently a stronger team with a 47-15 record and elite defense (105.2 defensive rating), while the Indiana Pacers struggle at 27-35 with a 116.2 defensive rating. OKC has built a young core around SGA, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, whereas Indiana is rebuilding around Tyrese Haliburton with limited championship-contending pieces.
Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
The Oklahoma City Thunder dominate the comparison as Western Conference contenders with elite defense, a cohesive roster, and legitimate championship aspirations. The Indiana Pacers are in a rebuilding phase with uncertainty around their core and trajectory. Choose the Thunder if you want to watch competitive playoff basketball; choose the Pacers only if you appreciate young talent development or are invested in franchise rebuilding.
Compare Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA team rebuilding around point guard Tyrese Haliburton in the Eastern Conference.
Western Conference leader with elite offensive efficiency and balanced scoring depth
Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions)
Offensive Rating (points scored per 100 possessions)
Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder with 105 attributes.
Current Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)
Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)
Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Best Player Comparison)
Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Indiana Pacers vs Oklahoma City Thunder.
Why is Oklahoma City so much better than Indiana this season?
OKC built a cohesive core around star SGA (30.1 PPG), elite young wings (Jalen Williams, Jaylin Williams), and defensive anchor Chet Holmgren. Indiana is intentionally tanking with a 27-35 record while developing around Tyrese Haliburton (20.1 PPG), lacking a second all-star and boasting the 28th-ranked defense (116.2 rating). OKC's 47-15 record reflects a complete playoff roster versus Indiana's rebuild.
Does Indiana have any path to competing with OKC soon?
Indiana's path requires: (1) acquiring an elite wing defender via trade or draft, (2) continued Haliburton development, and (3) Bennedict Mathurin or lottery picks becoming All-Star caliber. This timeline is 2-3+ years away. OKC's young core under 26 with SGA locked long-term gives them an immediate 3-5 year championship window, making near-term competition unlikely.
Who is the better individual player: Tyrese Haliburton or Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?
SGA is significantly better—he averages 30.1 PPG on 45.3% FG with elite two-way defense, making him a top-5 MVP candidate. Haliburton (20.1 PPG, 9.2 APG) is an elite playmaker but lacks shot creation and defensive versatility of SGA's caliber. SGA is a franchise superstar; Haliburton is a quality All-Star point guard.
Which team should I watch for exciting basketball?
Oklahoma City offers high-level playoff-contending basketball with elite defense and SGA's dynamic scoring (30+ PPG). Indiana offers young player development, potential lottery picks, and Haliburton's exceptional passing wizardry (9.2 APG). OKC is competitive; Indiana is developmental and tanking.
Chet Holmgren is the main concern—he missed 55 games in 2023-24 with a hip stress fracture and has a history of durability issues. His absence significantly impacts OKC's defense. Otherwise, the roster has been relatively healthy in 2024-25, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander maintaining elite availability.