Thunder Win; Shorthanded Ahead of Pacers Rematch

The Oklahoma City Thunder opened their title defense with a 125–124 double‑overtime win over the Houston Rockets, capped by Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander’s 35 points and game‑winning free throws and 28 from Chet Holmgren, after a pregame championship banner‑raising and ring ceremony. The Thunder are shorthanded heading into a Finals rematch at the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 23 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, listing multiple rotation players on the injury report. OKC said Alex Caruso (concussion), Luguentz Dort (ankle) and Isaiah Joe (knee) are out or limited, Cason Wallace is questionable, and Jalen Williams, Thomas Sorber (torn ACL), Kenrich Williams and Nikola Topic remain sidelined recovering from offseason procedures. Indiana has also been significantly retooled: Tyrese Haliburton will miss the season with a torn right Achilles, Myles Turner departed in free agency, and T.J. McConnell is sidelined with a hamstring, leaving Andrew Nembhard, Bennedict Mathurin, Pascal Siakam and Aaron Nesmith to carry the club. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has emphasized grit and adjustment after last season’s Finals loss, and Thursday’s opener will be an early test of depth for both teams and a measuring stick for OKC’s title defense.