Oklahoma City Thunder Indiana Pacers NBA Finals Rematch Opens Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder, reigning NBA champions, opened their title defense with a thrilling double-overtime win against the Houston Rockets, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 35 points and clutch free throws. The Thunder face the Indiana Pacers in a rematch of the 2025 NBA Finals, though both teams contend with key injuries including Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton and Thunder guard Alex Caruso, who is sidelined with a concussion. The Rockets, employing a unique jumbo lineup with four players standing 6-foot-11 or taller, nearly toppled the Thunder, demonstrating strong defensive capabilities and a novel offensive strategy, though the approach may not be sustainable for an entire season. Oklahoma City's roster remains challenged by injuries, putting added pressure on their stars and testing their resilience early in the season. Meanwhile, the Western Conference remains highly competitive with other teams like the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves also showing strong starts, making the path to contention difficult for the Rockets. Overall, the Thunder’s championship pedigree and the Rockets’ innovative tactics highlight an intense and unpredictable NBA season ahead.