Pacers vs Thunder 2025: OKC Elite, Indiana Rebuilding
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
NBA team rebuilding around point guard Tyrese Haliburton in the Eastern Conference.
Fans interested in long-term rebuilding projects and young talent development; fantasy basketball players seeking upside plays
Oklahoma City Thunder
Western Conference leader with elite offensive efficiency and balanced scoring depth
Fans seeking competitive, playoff-caliber basketball with Western Conference championship hopes; viewers who value elite defense and pace-and-space offense
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe 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.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedThe 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.
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Choose Indiana Pacers if
Fans interested in long-term rebuilding projects and young talent development; fantasy basketball players seeking upside plays
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Best pickFans seeking competitive, playoff-caliber basketball with Western Conference championship hopes; viewers who value elite defense and pace-and-space offense
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Key Differences at a Glance
- 2024-25 Win-Loss Record:✓ Oklahoma City Thunder wins(47-15 vs 27-35)
- Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions):✓ Oklahoma City Thunder wins(105.2 vs 116.2)
- Offensive Rating (points scored per 100 possessions):✓ Oklahoma City Thunder wins(117.1 vs 114.8)
Key Facts & Figures
78 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Indiana Pacers | Oklahoma City Thunder | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 116.2 | 108.3 | |
| Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 114.8 | 116.2 | |
| Leading Scorer PPG(points per game) | Tyrese Haliburton 20.1 PPG | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG | |
| Three-Point Percentage(%) | 36.7% | 37.2% | |
| Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds) | 45.3 | 47.1 | |
| Assists Per Game (Team)(assists) | 29.1 | 28.4 | |
| Steals Per Game (Team)(steals) | 7.8 | 8.9 | |
| 3-Point Percentage(percent) | 36.2% | 37.9% | |
| Average Points Per Game(points) | 115.3 | 117.8 | |
| Conference Rank(position) | 6th (Eastern) | 1st (Western) | |
| All-Star Selections(players) | 2 All-Stars | 3 All-Stars | |
| Playoff Seed(seed ranking) | 6th seed | 1st seed | |
| Net Rating(point differential per 100 possessions) | +5.0 | +7.9 | |
| Rebounds Per Game(RPG) | 48.3 | 46.2 | |
| Games Back From Playoff Position(GB) | +2.0 | -5.5 (leading) | |
| Playoff Probability(percent) | 8% | 99% | |
| NBA Championship Odds (2026 season)(decimal odds) | +15000 | +400 | |
| Payroll(USD millions) | $139M | $163M | |
| Three-Point Percentage (team)(percent) | 33.8% | 36.2% | |
| Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG) | 116.8 | 116.8 | |
| Leading Scorer Average(PPG) | 28.1 (SGA) | 28.1 (SGA) | |
| Team Assists Per Game(APG) | 28.3 | 28.3 | |
| Bench Scoring(points per game) | 28.4 | 28.4 | |
| Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking) | 2nd (West) | 2nd (West) | |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG) | 30.1 PPG | 30.1 PPG | |
| Team Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 110.2 | 110.2 | |
| 2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins) | 56-26 | 56-26 | |
| NBA Championship Titles(championships) | 0 | 0 | |
| Points Per Game(points) | 118.5 | 118.5 | |
| Points Allowed Per Game(PPG) | 109.3 | 109.3 | |
| Star Player PPG Average(PPG) | 30.2 (SGA) | 30.2 (SGA) | |
| All-Time Championships(titles) | 0 | 0 | |
| Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances) | 4 | 4 | |
| Average Team Age(years) | 24.8 | 24.8 | |
| Coach Tenure(seasons) | 6 seasons | 6 seasons | |
| Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins) | 48-52 | 48-52 | |
| Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100) | 115.2 | 115.2 | |
| Final Score(points) | 126 | 126 | |
| Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game) | 10.9 (SGA) | 10.9 (SGA) | |
| Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game) | 10+ (Holmgren) | 10+ (Holmgren) | |
| Roster Average Age(years) | 25.3 | 25.3 | |
| 2026 NBA All-Star Selections(players) | 3 | 3 | |
| Playoff Seeding(seed ranking) | 1st | 1st | |
| Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)(points) | +10.6 | +10.6 | |
| All-NBA Caliber Superstars(count) | 3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort) | 3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort) | |
| Western Conference Playoff Seeding(seed) | 1st (projected) | 1st (projected) | |
| Team Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 115.9 | 115.9 | |
| Payroll (2024-25)(million USD) | $176.4M | $176.4M | |
| NBA Finals Appearances (2022-2025)(appearances) | 0 | 0 | |
| Chet Holmgren Block Rate(blocks per game) | 2.8 BPG | 2.8 BPG | |
| Net Rating (Differential)(points per 100 possessions) | +9.5 | +9.5 | |
| All-Time NBA Championships(titles) | 1 | 1 | |
| Playoff Appearances (Last 10 Seasons)(appearances) | 9 | 9 | |
| 2025-26 Payroll(USD millions) | $145.8M | $145.8M | |
| Average Roster Age(years) | 24.8 | 24.8 | |
| NBA Championships Won(Titles) | 0 | 0 | |
| Leading Scorer PPG Average(Points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG | |
| MVP Awards (All-Time)(Awards) | 0 | 0 | |
| Core Roster Average Age(Years) | 24.3 years | 24.3 years | |
| Team Payroll(USD Millions) | $165 million | $165 million | |
| Points Per Game (2024-25)(PPG) | 116.8 | 116.8 | |
| Defensive Rating (2024-25)(points per 100 possessions) | 105.2 | 105.2 | |
| Leading Scorer Average (2024-25)(PPG) | 30.1 (SGA) | 30.1 (SGA) | |
| Assists Per Game (2024-25)(APG) | 8.1 | 8.1 | |
| Three-Point Shooting Percentage(%) | 38.1% | 38.1% | |
| Salary Cap Situation(USD millions) | $134 million ($50M under) | $134 million ($50M under) | |
| Three-Point Shooting(percentage) | 38.1% | 38.1% | |
| Point Differential(points per game) | +8.9 | +8.9 | |
| Western Conference Seed(ranking) | 1st Seed | 1st Seed | |
| Star Player PPG(points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4 | |
| Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(seasons) | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 | |
| Western Conference Ranking(seed position) | 1st seed | 1st seed | |
| Points Per Game (Offense)(PPG) | 112.4 | 112.4 | |
| Points Allowed Per Game (Defense)(PPG) | 105.2 | 105.2 | |
| Leading Scorer - Points Per Game(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 | |
| Team 3-Point Percentage(%) | 37.2% | 37.2% | |
| Assists Per Game(APG) | 28.3 | 28.3 | |
| Field Goal Percentage(%) | 48.1% | 48.1% |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 27-352024-25 Win-Loss Record47-15(winner)
- 116.2Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions)105.2(winner)
- 114.8Offensive Rating (points scored per 100 possessions)117.1(winner)
- 8%Playoff Probability99%(winner)
- 1 (Tyrese Haliburton)All-Star Players on Roster1 (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander)
- Top 5(winner)Projected Draft Position (2025)14th or later
- $139MPayroll (estimated 2024-25)$163M(winner)
- 2024-25 Win-Loss Record
Indiana Pacers
27-35
Oklahoma City Thunder
47-15(winner)
- Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions)
Indiana Pacers
116.2
Oklahoma City Thunder
105.2(winner)
- Offensive Rating (points scored per 100 possessions)
Indiana Pacers
114.8
Oklahoma City Thunder
117.1(winner)
- Playoff Probability
Indiana Pacers
8%
Oklahoma City Thunder
99%(winner)
- All-Star Players on Roster
Indiana Pacers
1 (Tyrese Haliburton)
Oklahoma City Thunder
1 (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander)
- Projected Draft Position (2025)
Indiana Pacers
Top 5(winner)
Oklahoma City Thunder
14th or later
- Payroll (estimated 2024-25)
Indiana Pacers
$139M
Oklahoma City Thunder
$163M(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Indiana Pacers | Oklahoma City Thunder |
|---|---|---|
| Win-Loss Record(W-L) | 23-25 | 36-12(winner) |
| Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 116.2 | 108.3(winner) |
| Steals Per Game (Team)(steals) | 7.8 | 8.9(winner) |
| Team Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 110.2 | — |
| Points Allowed Per Game (Defense)(PPG) | 105.2 | — |
| Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 114.8 | 116.2(winner) |
| Three-Point Percentage(%) | 36.7% | 37.2%(winner) |
| Assists Per Game (Team)(assists) | 29.1(winner) | 28.4 |
| Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG) | 116.8 | — |
| Team Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 115.9 | — |
Show 1 more attributeThree-Point Shooting(percentage) 38.1% — | ||
| Leading Scorer PPG(points per game) | Tyrese Haliburton 20.1 PPG | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG(winner) |
| Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds) | 45.3 | 47.1(winner) |
| Rebounds Per Game(RPG) | 48.3(winner) | 46.2 |
| Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game) | 10+ (Holmgren) | — |
| 3-Point Percentage(percent) | 36.2% | 37.9%(winner) |
| Average Points Per Game(points) | 115.3 | 117.8(winner) |
| Points Per Game (Offense)(PPG) | 112.4 | — |
| Conference Rank(position) | 6th (Eastern) | 1st (Western)(winner) |
| Playoff Seed(seed ranking) | 6th seed(winner) | 1st seed |
| Conference Standing(Seed/Rank) | 8th (East)(winner) | 1st (West) |
| Games Back From Playoff Position(GB) | +2.0 | -5.5 (leading)(winner) |
| Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking) | 2nd (West) | — |
Show 2 more attributesPoint Differential(points per game) +8.9 — Western Conference Seed(ranking) 1st Seed — | ||
| All-Star Selections(players) | 2 All-Stars | 3 All-Stars(winner) |
| Net Rating(point differential per 100 possessions) | +5.0 | +7.9(winner) |
| Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)(Wins-Losses) | 27-35 | 47-15(winner) |
| 2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins) | 56-26 | — |
| Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses) | 57-16 | — |
| Playoff Probability(percent) | 8% | 99%(winner) |
| NBA Championship Odds (2026 season)(decimal odds) | +15000(winner) | +400 |
| Payroll(USD millions) | $139M | $163M |
| Three-Point Percentage (team)(percent) | 33.8% | 36.2%(winner) |
| Aaron Gordon Field Goal %(%) | N/A | — |
| Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%) | N/A | — |
| Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%) | N/A | — |
| Three-Point Shooting Percentage(%) | 38.1% | — |
Show 2 more attributesTeam 3-Point Percentage(%) 37.2% — Field Goal Percentage(%) 48.1% — | ||
| Leading Scorer Average(PPG) | 28.1 (SGA) | — |
| Leading Scorer - Points Per Game(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 | — |
| Team Assists Per Game(APG) | 28.3 | — |
| Assists Per Game(APG) | 28.3 | — |
| Bench Scoring(points per game) | 28.4 | — |
| Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG) | N/A | — |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG) | 30.1 PPG | — |
| NBA Championship Titles(championships) | 0 | — |
| Season Record (2025-26)(wins-losses) | 47-22 | — |
| Wins-Losses Record (2025-26)(W-L) | 65-17 | — |
| Current Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season) | 40-12 | — |
| Western Conference Playoff Seeding(seed) | 1st (projected) | — |
| Current Season Win-Loss Record(wins-losses) | 32-12 | — |
Show 2 more attributes2025-26 Regular Season Record(wins-losses) 52-30 — Net Rating (Differential)(points per 100 possessions) +9.5 — | ||
| Points Per Game(points) | 118.5 | — |
| Points Allowed Per Game(PPG) | 109.3 | — |
| Star Player PPG Average(PPG) | 30.2 (SGA) | — |
| All-NBA Caliber Superstars(count) | 3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort) | — |
| All-Time Championships(titles) | 0 | — |
| Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances) | 4 | — |
| Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite) | — |
| Average Team Age(years) | 24.8 | — |
| Roster Average Age(years) | 25.3 | — |
| Average Roster Age(years) | 24.8 | — |
| Coach Tenure(seasons) | 6 seasons | — |
| Last Conference Finals Appearance(year) | Never | — |
| Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins) | 48-52 | — |
| Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100) | 115.2 | — |
| Final Score(points) | 126 | — |
| Location | Home - Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK | — |
| Aaron Gordon Points(points) | N/A | — |
| Aaron Gordon Plus-Minus(rating) | N/A | — |
| Game-Winning Play | Gilgeous-Alexander stepback 3P (0:03 remaining) - 126-129 | — |
| Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game) | 10.9 (SGA) | — |
| Assists Per Game (2024-25)(APG) | 8.1 | — |
| Head-to-Head Result (HOU@OKC)(Final Score) | 110 points | — |
| Third Quarter Dominance(Scoring Margin) | Led 52-46 at halftime | — |
| Bench Depth Indicator(Contributing Players) | Williams, Holmgren, SGA balanced attack | — |
| 2026 NBA All-Star Selections(players) | 3 | — |
| Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Best Player Comparison)(PPG / APG / eFG%) | 30.1 PPG / 6.5 APG / 60.1% eFG% (SGA) | — |
| Playoff Seeding(seed ranking) | 1st | — |
| Leading Scorer(points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG | — |
| Leading Scorer PPG Average(Points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG | — |
| Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)(points) | +10.6 | — |
| Payroll (2024-25)(million USD) | $176.4M | — |
| NBA Finals Appearances (2022-2025)(appearances) | 0 | — |
| Chet Holmgren Block Rate(blocks per game) | 2.8 BPG | — |
| All-Time NBA Championships(titles) | 1 | — |
| NBA Championships Won(Titles) | 0 | — |
| MVP Awards (All-Time)(Awards) | 0 | — |
| Playoff Appearances (Last 10 Seasons)(appearances) | 9 | — |
| 2025-26 Payroll(USD millions) | $145.8M | — |
| 2024-25 Regular Season Win-Loss Record(Wins-Losses) | 36-8 | — |
| Core Roster Average Age(Years) | 24.3 years | — |
| Team Payroll(USD Millions) | $165 million | — |
| Points Per Game (2024-25)(PPG) | 116.8 | — |
| Defensive Rating (2024-25)(points per 100 possessions) | 105.2 | — |
| Leading Scorer Average (2024-25)(PPG) | 30.1 (SGA) | — |
| Salary Cap Situation(USD millions) | $134 million ($50M under) | — |
| Wins-Losses Record(W-L) | 32-10 | — |
| Regular Season Wins-Losses | 38-8 | — |
| Star Player PPG(points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 28.4 | — |
| Playoff Appearances (Last 5 Years)(seasons) | 5 of 5 | — |
| Western Conference Ranking(seed position) | 1st seed | — |
Indiana PacersOklahoma City ThunderShow 1 more attribute
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Pros & Cons
8 pros·4 cons across both
Indiana Pacers
Pros
- Tyrese Haliburton is an elite playmaker with 9.2 assists per game and 47.8% three-point shooting
- Young roster with significant future potential and draft capital for additions
- Playing in weaker Eastern Conference improves tanking flexibility
- Recent lottery draft picks (Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard) still developing
Cons
- Defensive rating of 116.2 ranks 28th in NBA—among worst defensive teams
- Lack of second star or wing defender creates ceiling on contention timeline
Oklahoma City Thunder
Pros
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30.1 PPG, 6.0 APG) is a top-5 MVP candidate with elite two-way play
- Defensive rating of 105.2 ranks 3rd in NBA with versatile, switchable defenders
- Young core (all under 26) built for sustained contention over multiple years
- Strong bench depth with Isaiah Joe, Luguentz Dort, and Jaylin Williams providing versatile wing/rim protection
Cons
- Chet Holmgren has injury history (hip stress fracture kept him out 55 games in 2023-24 season)
- High payroll ($163M) limits future flexibility for additional star acquisitions
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
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.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Wikipedia
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