The Indiana Pacers concluded their preseason schedule with a narrow 114-112 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The game at Paycom Center provided a final competitive tune-up before the regular season begins. Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and the rest of the Pacers' core saw significant action against a talented Thunder squad featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The game was a back-and-forth affair typical of preseason basketball. Oklahoma City guard Cason Wallace created a turnover against Tyrese Haliburton early on, setting a physical tone. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was active for the Thunder, even losing a shoe while dribbling at one point. Indiana's big men, Ivica Zubac and newcomer Isaiah Hartenstein, battled in the paint throughout the night.
Haliburton showed his usual flair, gesturing after a made basket and drawing a foul on Gilgeous-Alexander. Defensive assignments were a focus, with Alex Caruso checking Obi Toppin and multiple Thunder defenders swarming Pascal Siakam. The Pacers fought hard but ultimately fell by two points in the final moments. This result followed a mixed preseason slate that included a win over Minnesota and a close loss to Atlanta.
Preseason isn't about the final score. It's about rhythm, rotations, and integrating new pieces. Coach Rick Carlisle used this game to test combinations. Seeing Zubac and Hartenstein establish a presence inside is a positive sign for the team's rebounding and interior defense. The matchup also gave Haliburton and Siakam valuable reps against a top-tier perimeter defender in Lu Dort and a versatile scorer in Gilgeous-Alexander.
These games help identify areas for improvement before the games start to count. The Pacers' offense, which led the NBA in several categories last season, looked to find its flow. Defensive communication against a dynamic OKC attack was undoubtedly a point of emphasis.
All eyes now turn to the regular season opener. The Pacers will host the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, October 16, 2026. It's a massive early test against an Eastern Conference contender featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The intensity level will jump significantly from these preseason contests.
The close games against Atlanta and Oklahoma City should have the team battle-tested. The focus shifts to executing the game plan under real pressure and protecting home court. How the Pacers' defense handles the Bucks' star power and whether their high-octane offense can run against a stout Milwaukee defense are the big questions. The entire season schedule is available on our schedule page.
Beyond the stars, preseason offers a glimpse at depth. Jalen Slawson fighting for a rebound against established players is the kind of effort that earns rotation minutes. Obi Toppin's athleticism in transition remains a weapon. Larry Nance Jr. brings veteran savvy to the frontcourt.
For the Thunder, rookie Aday Mara got minutes defending Nance, showing the breadth of talent on the floor. Every possession was a learning opportunity. The Pacers' coaching staff will review the film from this 114-112 loss closely, but the real work begins now. The preseason is over, and the journey to the NBA playoffs starts Friday night in Indianapolis.
