Oklahoma City will remember Opening Night for decades to come. In addition to raising the championship banner and receiving rings, the Thunder defeated the hated Rockets in double overtime. 

From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s clutch bucket to tie the game with two seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to Kevin Durant’s unofficial Chris Webber blunder, it’s an early candidate for game of the year. 

Overall, the contest felt like the perfect conclusion to last season’s title run. The Thunder can now mentally lock into this season and aim for the first repeat since Durant’s Warriors. Ironically, the next game on the schedule is against an Indiana squad who lost to Oklahoma City in the NBA Finals. 

Here are four areas that will largely determine the outcome of this matchup. 

Thunder’s Transition Defense 

Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell are both sidelined with injuries, which leaves Indiana’s offense starved for ball-handling and playmaking. The deficiencies will be especially noticeable in the half court when the Pacers must create possessions from scratch. Are Andrew Nembhard and Pascal Siakam really capable of running half-court actions for an entire game? 

Oklahoma City’s defense also exerts a ton of ball-pressure, so it may be a turnover bloodbath because Indiana lacks a floor general who is conditioned to such a hostile situation. The fact that Alex Caruso is out and Cason Wallace and Luguentz Dort may join him significantly alleviates this problem, though. 

If the Pacers control the defensive glass and consistently create quality transition shots, then half-court issues become less severe. 

The Thunder had the best transition defense in the league last season considering deterrence and efficiency, and it should thrive in this area once again. A strong offensive night from Oklahoma City’s offense also takes away transition opportunities for Indiana. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Scoring

The reigning MVP scored 35 points in his season debut, and there was plenty of meat left on the bone. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander meets a Pacers defense that has quality perimeter defenders to throw at him in Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith. However, Myles Turner’s offseason departure left a massive hole, so rim protection is now a major concern. 

If Gilgeous-Alexander consistently maneuvers past the first line of defense, then he should have a field day inside the paint. Will Indiana play zone defense and pack the paint as a response? Rick Carlisle is an elite coach, so he likely finds a way to at least bother Gilgeous-Alexander. 

Indiana’s Perimeter Shooting 

For the Pacers to pull off the upset, it must get hot from deep. Nembhard, Nesmith, Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin combining for at least 12 made triples would go a long way, especially if the bench can contribute to the cause. 

Oklahoma City’s defense routinely gives up a ton of attempts from the corners, so Indiana needs to knock down shots and dominate this area. Otherwise, the contest is likely heading towards a blowout. 

Minutes When Pascal Siakam Rests 

In addition to being Indiana’s best blend of scoring and playmaking, Siakam is also an excellent defensive chess piece to hurl at Chet Holmgren and occasionally Gilgeous-Alexander. Anything short of a masterclass from Siakam probably leads to a gloomy night for Pacers nation.

Should Siakam deliver, can Indiana survive when he takes a breather? The rest of the roster must step up to the challenge.