INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers' final opponent in the 2024-25 season will be their first opponent in the 2025-26 season. The Pacers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The game will air on ESPN.

The Thunder will host the Houston Rockets for the 2025-26 Opening Night on Tuesday, Oct. 21. As tradition, they will celebrate their NBA championship with a pregame banner drop and ring ceremony. Kevin Durant's attendance across the court gives this matchup some extra juice as it will start the NBC era.

As for the Thunder, who won 68 games against just 14 losses last season, their core remains intact, with Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, leading the charge. Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Lu Dort and Alex Caruso are all still in the Thunder’s fold.