For the first time since October 24, 2025, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers will meet again. Their rivalry shaped one of the most enticing NBA Finals in modern history. But things have changed quite a lot. Tyrese Haliburton isn’t going to play this season. From being the last two standing, OKC and the Pacers are now the opposite ends of the NBA spectrum.

With the help of Basketball Stats, let’s take a look at how the two teams have changed as the new season played its tricks.

OKC proved they can be a dynasty

To kick off the season, the Thunder encountered two incredibly difficult opponents. It marked the second consecutive double-overtime game for the Pacers. Since then, they have rarely faltered. With a 37-8 record, the Thunder hold the top spot in the league, and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander is a strong contender for his second MVP. Following their victory over the Pacers, OKC has secured wins in 22 out of their subsequent 23 matchups. The Thunder’s average point difference in victories is around 14. Moreover, their defense is top-tier, as evidenced by allowing a mere 108 points per game currently.

The Pacers’ season continues to worsen

The Indiana Pacers’ hopes to build off a Finals appearance never materialized. Haliburton’s heartbreaking injury in Game 7 pretty much sealed their fate. Hence, it’s no surprise that the undermanned Pacers side sits at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, close to tying the New Orleans Pelicans for the worst record in the NBA this season. However, the Pacers fans haven’t disappointed as they continue to rally behind their team.

Jalen Williams will miss the Pacers rematch again

Without their second-best player, the Thunder still managed a dominant opening to the season. Jalen Williams was proclaimed the deserving Finals MVP by SGA on the podium. But due to a wrist injury, J Dub missed the first month of the season. He returned in November, posting averages of 16.8 points and 5.6 assists per game. However, calamity struck again.

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Williams suffered from a hamstring injury in Saturday’s loss to the Miami Heat. The Thunder guard will be on the sidelines for a few weeks, missing the Finals rematch yet again.

Spurs pose the greatest threat to the Thunder

Remember that streak we mentioned. The Thunder looked to be cruising towards breaking the Warriors’ 73-9 record. That’s until Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs arrived. Inside 12 days, they beat the reigning champions thrice. Each win appeared to be more convincing than the previous. The Spurs’ ascent has them only a few games shy of the top-seeded Thunder.

Many experts feel that either of these two teams is best positioned to win a championship this season. The rivalry has only just intensified. Let’s see what happens by the time the postseason rolls out.

The Indiana Pacers achieve an unwanted feat

The Indiana Pacers have had to endure great hardships this season. Not only Haliburton, but the Pacers have been impacted the most by injuries this season. They have lost a cumulative $40.9 million through injuries. Currently, that list includes Benedict Mathurin, who scored 32 in the Pacers’ double-overtime thriller against the Pacers. The team also suffered a 13-game losing streak, the longest in franchise history.

As the two teams prepare to meet again, their storylines couldn’t be more different. The Pacers will fight valiantly, given that they are facing the Thunder. But their objective for the season seems clear. They have high odds of landing a lottery pick, allowing them to strengthen their roster with a returning Haliburton next season. On the other hand, OKC wants to reign over the league for years to come.