Thunder vs Pacers: 2026 NBA Comparison
The Oklahoma City Thunder lead the Western Conference with a 37-13 record and elite defense (8th in NBA), while the Indiana Pacers sit at 20-30 in the Eastern Conference with a more offensive-focused approach. The Thunder's superior depth and defensive intensity give them a significant competitive advantage.
Oklahoma City Thunder
NBA team with league-leading 115.2 PPG and top-10 defense (109.8 rating) in 2025-26.
Fans seeking a championship contender with strong two-way play and young talent
Indiana Pacers
Eastern Conference team in transition with scoring guard Tyrese Haliburton but struggling defensively.
Fans building patience for a young rebuild with promising guards and future cap space
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe Oklahoma City Thunder lead the Western Conference with a 37-13 record and elite defense (8th in NBA), while the Indiana Pacers sit at 20-30 in the Eastern Conference with a more offensive-focused approach. The Thunder's superior depth and defensive intensity give them a significant competitive advantage.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedThe Oklahoma City Thunder are the superior team overall, boasting elite defense, balanced scoring, and All-Star depth led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Choose the Thunder if you value championship contention and consistent excellence. Choose the Pacers if you're following a team in rebuild mode with promising young talent like Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin showing growth potential.
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Best pickFans seeking a championship contender with strong two-way play and young talent
Choose Indiana Pacers if
Fans building patience for a young rebuild with promising guards and future cap space
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Win-Loss Record:✓ Oklahoma City Thunder wins(37-13 vs 20-30)
- Conference Standing:✓ Oklahoma City Thunder wins(1st West (as of Jan 2026) vs 13th East (as of Jan 2026))
- Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions):✓ Oklahoma City Thunder wins(108.2 vs 114.8)
Key Facts & Figures
87 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Oklahoma City Thunder | Indiana Pacers | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 118.9 | 117.2 | |
| Leading Scorer PPG(points per game) | 29.1 (SGA) | 20.3 (Haliburton) | |
| Three-Point Percentage(%) | 34.8% | 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 | — | — |
| Team Assists Per Game(APG) | 27.8 | — | — |
| 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(PPG) | 115.2 | — | — |
| 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) | — | — |
| Games Back From Playoff Position(GB) | -5.5 (leading) | +2.0 | |
| Net Rating(point differential per 100 possessions) | +7.9 | +5.0 | |
| 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 | — | — |
| Salary Cap Situation(USD millions) | $134 million ($50M under) | — | — |
| 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 | — | — |
| Rebounds Per Game(RPG) | 44.8 | 48.3 | |
| Three-Point Percentage (Leading Scorer)(%) | 42.8% | — | — |
| 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) | 28.9 | — | — |
| Points Per Game (Team Average)(PPG) | 114.8 | — | — |
| Leading Scorer Average(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 30.1 | — | — |
| All-Star Selections (2024)(Players) | 2 All-Stars | — | — |
| NBA Championship Titles (Total)(Championships) | 0 | — | — |
| Future Draft Capital(First-Round Picks) | Extensive (8+) | — | — |
| Three-Point Shooting Percentage(percent) | 37.8% | 36.2% | |
| Bench Scoring Depth(players 8+ PPG) | 7 players | 3 players | |
| Steals Per Game (Team Leader)(steals per game) | 2.1 (SGA) | 1.3 (Haliburton) | |
| Assists Per Game (Team Leader)(assists per game) | 7.8 (SGA) | 9.2 (Haliburton) | |
| Field Goal Percentage(%) | 47.1% | — | — |
| Defensive Rating(Points per 100 possessions) | 109.8 | 114.8 | |
| Roster Average Age(years) | 25.1 | — | — |
| Free Throw Percentage(%) | 76.8% | — | — |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 37-13(winner)Win-Loss Record20-30
- 1st West (as of Jan 2026)(winner)Conference Standing13th East (as of Jan 2026)
- 108.2(winner)Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions)114.8
- 118.9(winner)Offensive Rating (points scored per 100 possessions)117.2
- 37.8%(winner)3-Point Shooting Percentage36.2%
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.1 PPG(winner)Scoring Leader PPGTyrese Haliburton 20.3 PPG
- 7 players averaging 8+ PPG(winner)Bench Scoring Depth3 players averaging 8+ PPG
- Win-Loss Record
Oklahoma City Thunder
37-13(winner)
Indiana Pacers
20-30
- Conference Standing
Oklahoma City Thunder
1st West (as of Jan 2026)(winner)
Indiana Pacers
13th East (as of Jan 2026)
- Defensive Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions)
Oklahoma City Thunder
108.2(winner)
Indiana Pacers
114.8
- Offensive Rating (points scored per 100 possessions)
Oklahoma City Thunder
118.9(winner)
Indiana Pacers
117.2
- 3-Point Shooting Percentage
Oklahoma City Thunder
37.8%(winner)
Indiana Pacers
36.2%
- Scoring Leader PPG
Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.1 PPG(winner)
Indiana Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton 20.3 PPG
- Bench Scoring Depth
Oklahoma City Thunder
7 players averaging 8+ PPG(winner)
Indiana Pacers
3 players averaging 8+ PPG
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Oklahoma City Thunder | Indiana Pacers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 118.9(winner) | 117.2 |
| Assists Per Game (Team)(assists) | 28.4 | 29.1(winner) |
| Points Per Game (Team Scoring)(PPG) | 116.8 | — |
| Team Assists Per Game(APG) | 27.8 | — |
| Team Offensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 115.9 | — |
Show 3 more attributesThree-Point Shooting(percentage) 38.1% — Three-Point Percentage (Leading Scorer)(%) 42.8% — Three-Point Shooting Percentage(percent) 37.8% 36.2% | ||
| Leading Scorer PPG(points per game) | 29.1 (SGA)(winner) | 20.3 (Haliburton) |
| Leading Scorer(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 28.7 PPG | — |
| Leading Scorer PPG Average(Points per game) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 29.3 PPG | — |
| Three-Point Percentage(%) | 34.8% | 36.7%(winner) |
| Points Per Game(PPG) | 115.2 | — |
| Points Per Game (2024-25)(PPG) | 116.8 | — |
| Points Per Game (Team Average)(PPG) | 114.8 | — |
| Field Goal Percentage(%) | 47.1% | — |
Show 1 more attributeFree Throw Percentage(%) 76.8% — | ||
| Rebounds Per Game (Team)(rebounds) | 47.1(winner) | 45.3 |
| Rebounds Leader RPG(Rebounds Per Game) | 10+ (Holmgren) | — |
| Rebounds Per Game(RPG) | 44.8 | 48.3(winner) |
| Steals Per Game (Team)(steals) | 8.9(winner) | 7.8 |
| Team Defensive Rating(points per 100 possessions) | 110.2 | — |
| Points Allowed Per Game (Defense)(PPG) | 105.2 | — |
| Steals Per Game (Team Leader)(steals per game) | 2.1 (SGA)(winner) | 1.3 (Haliburton) |
| Bench Scoring(Points per game) | 28.4 | — |
| Bench Scoring Depth(players 8+ PPG) | 7 players(winner) | 3 players |
| 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 3 more attributesPoint Differential(points per game) +8.9 — Western Conference Seed(ranking) 1st Seed — Win-Loss Record(wins-losses) 37-13 20-30 | ||
| 3-Point Percentage(percent) | 37.9%(winner) | 36.2% |
| Average Points Per Game(points) | 117.8(winner) | 115.3 |
| 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 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 | — |
| NBA Championship Titles (Total)(Championships) | 0 | — |
| Playoff Appearances (2021-2026)(appearances) | 4 | — |
| Current Star Player Rating(NBA tier) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Elite) | — |
| Average Team Age(years) | 24.8 | — |
| 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% |
| Team 3-Point Percentage(%) | 37.2% | — |
| 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 | — |
| Assists Per Game(APG) | 28.9 | — |
| Assists Per Game (Team Leader)(assists per game) | 7.8 (SGA) | 9.2 (Haliburton)(winner) |
| 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 | — |
| 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 | — |
| Roster Average Age(years) | 25.1 | — |
| Team Payroll(USD Millions) | $165 million | — |
| Defensive Rating (2024-25)(points per 100 possessions) | 105.2 | — |
| Defensive Rating(Points per 100 possessions) | 109.8(winner) | 114.8 |
| Leading Scorer Average (2024-25)(PPG) | 30.1 (SGA) | — |
| Leading Scorer Average(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 30.1 | — |
| 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 | — |
| Points Per Game (Offense)(PPG) | 112.4 | — |
| Leading Scorer - Points Per Game(PPG) | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30.1 | — |
| 2023-24 Season Win-Loss Record(Wins-Losses) | 56-26 | — |
| All-Star Selections (2024)(Players) | 2 All-Stars | — |
| Future Draft Capital(First-Round Picks) | Extensive (8+) | — |
| Head-to-Head Series Record (2025-26)(Wins-Losses) | 3-1 | — |
Oklahoma City ThunderIndiana PacersShow 3 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Show 3 more attributes
Show 2 more attributes
Pros & Cons
9 pros·5 cons across both
Oklahoma City Thunder
Pros
- Elite defensive rating of 108.2 (8th in NBA) with versatile defenders
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaging 29.1 PPG with 2.1 steals per game
- Seven bench players averaging 8+ points per game
- 37.8% three-point shooting (top 10 in league)
- Youngest #1 seed roster with elite chemistry
Cons
- Limited playoff experience compared to established contenders
- Reliance on SGA (29.1 PPG) creates scoring pressure
Indiana Pacers
Pros
- Tyrese Haliburton's playmaking (9.2 assists per game, 49.1% FG)
- Bennedict Mathurin showing 19.4 PPG with improved efficiency
- Youth movement provides long-term flexibility and trade assets
- Average pace of play enables scoring opportunities
Cons
- Defensive rating of 114.8 (28th in NBA) indicates severe defensive lapses
- 20-30 record shows significant underperformance and inconsistency
- Lack of All-Star caliber scoring outside Haliburton
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
The Thunder would be heavily favored. OKC's elite defense (108.2 rating vs Pacers' 114.8) combined with balanced scoring depth would likely eliminate Indiana in the first round. The 17-game win differential reflects their significant talent gap.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Wikipedia
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