Thunder Plan to Hit Full Strength Against Indiana in Preseason Test

Oklahoma City's rested core should give it the edge over a Pacers team with ankle questions.

IND @ OKC Oct 14, 2026 at 12:00 AM UTC

This is preseason, so the results matter less than the rotation clues, and Oklahoma City has been open about its approach. The Thunder held most of their returning rotation out of the Atlanta game, with the stated aim of having those players physically ready for Indiana. Wallace and McCain were listed questionable for rest. If that plan holds, the Pacers will see a far more complete Oklahoma City group than the one that played earlier in the week.

Indiana's availability is murkier. Tyrese Haliburton is questionable with an ankle issue, and T.J. McConnell is also questionable. Jarace Furphy is out. If Haliburton can't go, the Pacers lose their primary organizer against a team that has had time to prepare. Even with him, the injury list leaves them thin in a game where the home side is trying to be sharp.

The more interesting Thunder story is below the core. Aday Mara has been a revelation through two games, going 15-for-15 from the field, and Bennett Stirtz and the other 2026 first-round picks are pushing for minutes. That matters because Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins were all traded in the offseason, leaving real openings. Wing depth is the soft spot, as the Thunder lacked options when Jalen Williams was hurt last season. Otega Oweh, whose job is perimeter defense, has scored little in the preseason, with eight combined points on 4-of-12 shooting. His spot looks less secure than the rookies'.

Expect Oklahoma City's rested starters to set the tone, and the newcomers to keep producing against Indiana's reserves. The Pacers should stay competitive in stretches, but the Thunder's fuller roster and tighter preparation should decide it. I'll take Oklahoma City 118, Indiana 107.

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