INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers' final opponent in the 2024-25 season will be their first opponent in the 2025-26 season. The Pacers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The game will air on ESPN.

The Thunder will host the Houston Rockets for the 2025-26 Opening Night on Tuesday, Oct. 21. As tradition, they will celebrate their NBA championship with a pregame banner drop and ring ceremony. Kevin Durant's attendance across the court gives this matchup some extra juice as it will start the NBC era.

The Oklahoma City Thunder felt slighted last season when they were left off the NBA’s Christmas schedule. That won’t be an issue this year. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the NBA champion Thunder will be working at home for Christmas this season,