Thunder vs Pacers 2026: Standings, Stats, Playoff Odds
The Thunder lead the Western Conference with a 36-12 record and elite defense (103.2 DRtg), while the Pacers sit mid-table in the East at 23-25 with offensive strength (120.8 ORtg) but defensive vulnerability (115.8 DRtg). Oklahoma City is the stronger team this season.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Western Conference leader with elite offensive efficiency and balanced scoring depth
Bettors and analysts predicting playoff success, fantasy basketball players seeking consistent scoring depth, and teams needing defensive blueprints.
Indiana Pacers
NBA team rebuilding around point guard Tyrese Haliburton in the Eastern Conference.
Fantasy basketball fans seeking high-assist and offensive players, bettors on over-under totals, and teams valuing pace-and-space basketball.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Thunder lead the Western Conference with a 36-12 record and elite defense (103.2 DRtg), while the Pacers sit mid-table in the East at 23-25 with offensive strength (120.8 ORtg) but defensive vulnerability (115.8 DRtg). Oklahoma City is the stronger team this season.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedOklahoma City Thunder is the significantly stronger team, leading the Western Conference with an elite defense and +16.2 net rating, while Indiana Pacers struggle with defensive consistency and playoff positioning. Choose the Thunder if predicting playoff success and elite defense; choose the Pacers only if betting on offensive outbursts or mid-season adjustments.
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Best pickBettors and analysts predicting playoff success, fantasy basketball players seeking consistent scoring depth, and teams needing defensive blueprints.
Choose Indiana Pacers if
Fantasy basketball fans seeking high-assist and offensive players, bettors on over-under totals, and teams valuing pace-and-space basketball.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Win-Loss Record (2025-26):✓ Oklahoma City Thunder wins(36-12 vs 23-25)
- Defensive Rating:✓ Oklahoma City Thunder wins(103.2 vs 115.8)
- Offensive Rating:✓ Indiana Pacers wins(120.8 vs 119.4)
Key Facts & Figures
78 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Oklahoma City Thunder | Indiana Pacers | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 116.2 | 114.8 | |
| Leading Scorer PPG(points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG | Tyrese Haliburton 20.1 PPG | |
| Three-Point Percentage(%) | 37.2% | 36.7% | |
| Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds) | 47.1 | 45.3 | |
| Assists Per Game (Team)(assists) | 28.4 | 29.1 | |
| Steals Per Game (Team)(steals) | 8.9 | 7.8 | |
| Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG) | 116.8 | — | — |
| Leading Scorer Average(PPG) | 28.1 (SGA) | — | — |
| Team Assists Per Game(APG) | 28.3 | — | — |
| Bench Scoring(points per game) | 28.4 | — | — |
| Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking) | 2nd (West) | — | — |
| 3-Point Percentage(percent) | 37.9% | 36.2% | |
| Average Points Per Game(points) | 117.8 | 115.3 | |
| Conference Rank(position) | 1st (Western) | 6th (Eastern) | |
| All-Star Selections(players) | 3 All-Stars | 2 All-Stars | |
| Playoff Seed(seed ranking) | 1st seed | 6th seed | |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG) | 30.1 PPG | — | — |
| Team Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 110.2 | — | — |
| 2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins) | 56-26 | — | — |
| NBA Championship Titles(championships) | 0 | — | — |
| Points Per Game(points) | 118.5 | — | — |
| Points Allowed Per Game(PPG) | 109.3 | — | — |
| Star Player PPG Average(PPG) | 30.2 (SGA) | — | — |
| All-Time Championships(titles) | 0 | — | — |
| Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances) | 4 | — | — |
| Average Team Age(years) | 24.8 | — | — |
| Coach Tenure(seasons) | 6 seasons | — | — |
| Expected Win Total (2025-26)(wins) | 48-52 | — | — |
| Offensive Rating Potential(points per 100) | 115.2 | — | — |
| Final Score(points) | 126 | — | — |
| Assists Leader APG(Assists Per Game) | 10.9 (SGA) | — | — |
| Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game) | 10+ (Holmgren) | — | — |
| Rebounds Per Game(RPG) | 46.2 | 48.3 | |
| Games Back From Playoff Position(GB) | -5.5 (leading) | +2.0 | |
| Net Rating(point differential per 100 possessions) | +7.9 | +5.0 | |
| Roster Average Age(years) | 25.3 | — | — |
| 2026 NBA All-Star Selections(players) | 3 | — | — |
| Playoff Seeding(seed ranking) | 1st | — | — |
| Net Rating (scoring margin per 100 possessions)(points) | +10.6 | — | — |
| All-NBA Caliber Superstars(count) | 3 (Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, Dort) | — | — |
| Western Conference Playoff Seeding(seed) | 1st (projected) | — | — |
| Playoff Probability(percent) | 99% | 8% | |
| NBA Championship Odds (2026 season)(decimal odds) | +400 | +15000 | |
| Payroll(USD millions) | $163M | $139M | |
| Three-Point Percentage (team)(percent) | 36.2% | 33.8% | |
| Team Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 115.9 | — | — |
| Payroll (2024-25)(million USD) | $176.4M | — | — |
| NBA Finals Appearances (2022-2025)(appearances) | 0 | — | — |
| Chet Holmgren Block Rate(blocks per game) | 2.8 BPG | — | — |
| Net Rating (Differential)(points per 100 possessions) | +9.5 | — | — |
| All-Time NBA Championships(titles) | 1 | — | — |
| Playoff Appearances (Last 10 Seasons)(appearances) | 9 | — | — |
| 2025-26 Payroll(USD millions) | $145.8M | — | — |
| Average Roster Age(years) | 24.8 | — | — |
| NBA Championships Won(Titles) | 0 | — | — |
| Leading Scorer PPG Average(Points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG | — | — |
| MVP Awards (All-Time)(Awards) | 0 | — | — |
| 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) | — | — |
| Assists Per Game (2024-25)(APG) | 8.1 | — | — |
| Three-Point Shooting Percentage(%) | 38.1% | — | — |
| Salary Cap Situation(USD millions) | $134 million ($50M under) | — | — |
| Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 108.3 | 116.2 | |
| Three-Point Shooting(percentage) | 38.1% | — | — |
| Point Differential(points per game) | +8.9 | — | — |
| Western Conference Seed(ranking) | 1st Seed | — | — |
| 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 | — | — |
| Points Per Game (Offense)(PPG) | 112.4 | — | — |
| Points Allowed Per Game (Defense)(PPG) | 105.2 | — | — |
| Leading Scorer - Points Per Game(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 | — | — |
| Team 3-Point Percentage(%) | 37.2% | — | — |
| Assists Per Game(APG) | 28.3 | — | — |
| Field Goal Percentage(%) | 48.1% | — | — |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 36-12(winner)Win-Loss Record (2025-26)23-25
- 103.2(winner)Defensive Rating115.8
- 119.4Offensive Rating120.8(winner)
- +16.2(winner)Net Rating+5.0
- 38.2%(winner)3-Point Percentage36.7%
- 1st seed favorite(winner)Playoff Projection (2026)Play-in contender
- 1st (West)(winner)Conference Rank8th (East)
- Win-Loss Record (2025-26)
Oklahoma City Thunder
36-12(winner)
Indiana Pacers
23-25
- Defensive Rating
Oklahoma City Thunder
103.2(winner)
Indiana Pacers
115.8
- Offensive Rating
Oklahoma City Thunder
119.4
Indiana Pacers
120.8(winner)
- Net Rating
Oklahoma City Thunder
+16.2(winner)
Indiana Pacers
+5.0
- 3-Point Percentage
Oklahoma City Thunder
38.2%(winner)
Indiana Pacers
36.7%
- Playoff Projection (2026)
Oklahoma City Thunder
1st seed favorite(winner)
Indiana Pacers
Play-in contender
- Conference Rank
Oklahoma City Thunder
1st (West)(winner)
Indiana Pacers
8th (East)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Oklahoma City Thunder | Indiana Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Win-Loss Record(W-L) | 36-12(winner) | 23-25 |
| Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 116.2(winner) | 114.8 |
| Three-Point Percentage(%) | 37.2%(winner) | 36.7% |
| Assists Per Game (Team)(assists) | 28.4 | 29.1(winner) |
| 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) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 PPG(winner) | Tyrese Haliburton 20.1 PPG |
| Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds) | 47.1(winner) | 45.3 |
| Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game) | 10+ (Holmgren) | — |
| Rebounds Per Game(RPG) | 46.2 | 48.3(winner) |
| Steals Per Game (Team)(steals) | 8.9(winner) | 7.8 |
| Team Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 110.2 | — |
| Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 108.3(winner) | 116.2 |
| Points Allowed Per Game (Defense)(PPG) | 105.2 | — |
| 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 | — |
| Playoff Seed Position(Seed Ranking) | 2nd (West) | — |
| Conference Rank(position) | 1st (Western)(winner) | 6th (Eastern) |
| Playoff Seed(seed ranking) | 1st seed | 6th seed(winner) |
| Conference Standing(Seed/Rank) | 1st (West) | 8th (East)(winner) |
| Games Back From Playoff Position(GB) | -5.5 (leading)(winner) | +2.0 |
Show 2 more attributesPoint Differential(points per game) +8.9 — Western Conference Seed(ranking) 1st Seed — | ||
| 3-Point Percentage(percent) | 37.9%(winner) | 36.2% |
| Average Points Per Game(points) | 117.8(winner) | 115.3 |
| Points Per Game (Offense)(PPG) | 112.4 | — |
| All-Star Selections(players) | 3 All-Stars(winner) | 2 All-Stars |
| Nikola Jokic Points Per Game(PPG) | N/A | — |
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Points Per Game(PPG) | 30.1 PPG | — |
| 2023-24 Win-Loss Record(Wins) | 56-26 | — |
| Regular Season Record(Wins-Losses) | 57-16 | — |
| Win-Loss Record (2024-25 season)(Wins-Losses) | 47-15(winner) | 27-35 |
| 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 Field Goal %(%) | N/A | — |
| Aaron Gordon Three-Point %(%) | N/A | — |
| Aaron Gordon Free Throw %(%) | N/A | — |
| Three-Point Percentage (team)(percent) | 36.2%(winner) | 33.8% |
| Three-Point Shooting Percentage(%) | 38.1% | — |
Show 2 more attributesTeam 3-Point Percentage(%) 37.2% — Field Goal Percentage(%) 48.1% — | ||
| 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 | — |
| Net Rating(point differential per 100 possessions) | +7.9(winner) | +5.0 |
| 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 | — |
| Playoff Probability(percent) | 99%(winner) | 8% |
| NBA Championship Odds (2026 season)(decimal odds) | +400 | +15000(winner) |
| Payroll(USD millions) | $163M | $139M |
| 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 | — |
Oklahoma City ThunderIndiana PacersShow 1 more attribute
Show 2 more attributes
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Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Oklahoma City Thunder
Pros
- Defensive rating of 103.2 (top 3 in NBA)
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 30.1 PPG with 2.8 SPG
- Depth scoring: 4 players averaging 15+ PPG
- Net rating of +16.2 (9th best in NBA)
- 38.2% three-point shooting (league average 35.9%)
Cons
- Inconsistent rebounding (47.8 RPG, 22nd in NBA)
- Limited proven playoff experience in current roster configuration
- Injury concerns with key rotation players in January
Indiana Pacers
Pros
- Offensive rating of 120.8 (top 8 in NBA)
- Tyrese Haliburton averaging 18.4 APG (3rd in NBA)
- Pascal Siakam's two-way versatility
- Fast-paced offense creating more scoring opportunities
- Chemistry improvements post-trade deadline additions
Cons
- Defensive rating of 115.8 (25th in NBA, -12.6 points per 100)
- Inconsistent wing defense and perimeter vulnerability
- Playoff positioning precarious (8th seed, 2 games above play-in line)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Oklahoma City Thunder is decisively winning with a 36-12 record (74% win percentage) versus Indiana's 23-25 record (48% win percentage). The Thunder lead the Western Conference by 5.5 games and hold the best playoff positioning in the league.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Wikipedia
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