The 2025-2026 NBA season gets underway with an exciting slate of games, headlined by two pivotal games on October 12. Herein we preview the game of payback between the Indiana Pacers and the defending champs Oklahoma City Thunder. And thereafter, analyze the showdown between the renovated Dallas Mavericks and rising Charlotte Hornets.

• Date: Saturday, October 11th, 2025

• Time: 11.00 PM UTC

• Venue: Gainbridge Fieldhouse

• Competition: NBA Regular Season

After defeating the Pacers in a fierce Finals series, the Oklahoma City Thunder start the season as the defending NBA Champion.

• Regular Season 2025: Placed 1st in the Western Conference (68-14).

• Recent Form: Thunder has been showing a mix of rest management and powerhouse performances throughout the preseason. They just obliterated the Hornets 135-114 but lost to the Mavericks.

• Key Stats: Topped the league in Net Rating (+12.8) and were 1st in Defensive Rating in 2025.

Indiana Pacers are poised to make another deep playoff run after last season's surprise Finals run.

• Current Form: The Pacers have been tough in the preseason, beating a recent tight game against the Timberwolves, 135-134.

• Central Challenge: The team has to manage their beginning after main players had an arduous physical culmination of the previous Finals series.

The two teams' past is dominated by their seven-game series in the 2025 NBA Finals, which was won 4-3 by the Thunder.

• Rematch in the Finals: This is the first meeting since the Finals, thus an instant revenge tale for the Pacers.

• Current Trend: The Pacers lost the largest series but did win pivotal games against the Thunder in the Finals and demonstrated they can exploit some matchups.

Oklahoma City Thunder Injuries: The Thunder are being extremely careful with player health. Jalen Williams (wrist surgery) is slowly working back and will be out. Thomas Sorber (ACL) is out for the year, and Kenrich Williams (knee) will be out for a few months.

Indiana Pacers Injuries: Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) is a major concern, as well as Aaron Nesmith (ankle) and Jarace Walker (ankle).

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Tyrese Haliburton: The battle of the two franchise point guards, who finished 1st and 3rd in assists, will dictate the pace and shooting efficiency.

2. Pascal Siakam vs. Chet Holmgren: Siakam's defensive post-play experience and Holmgren's rim protection lights-out will decide this game.

• Date: Saturday, October 12, 2025

• Time: 12.30 AM UTC

• Venue: American Airlines Center

• Competition: NBA Regular Season

The Dallas Mavericks want to bounce back from last season's problems and build a new defensive style.

• Current Form: The Mavericks started the preseason on a high note with an overwhelming 106-89 victory against the reigning champion OKC Thunder.

• Offensive Juggernaut: With the celebrity pair Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis leading the charge, the offense is potent.

• Rookie Sensation: Rookie Cooper Flagg has made his mark in his debut with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in his first preseason game.

Charlotte Hornets desire to shake off the bottom of the Eastern Conference with their young energetic core.

• Recent Form: The Hornets recently experienced a preseason defeat against the Thunder (114-135).

• Key Challenge: The team is focusing on helping its young stars, like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, get better after injuries they got early in the season.

Dallas has historically dominated this rivalry.

• Overall Record: The Mavericks have a lopsided 33-15 all-time record against the Hornets.

• Recent Trend: The Hornets have some recent history on their side, having won two of the last five encounters, and too frequently counting on their own high-scoring efforts to win games.

Dallas Mavericks Injuries: Star point guard Kyrie Irving is still out as he recovers from an ACL tear. Daniel Gafford (ankle) is also absent.

Charlotte Hornets Injuries: LaMelo Ball (ankle) is uncertain, and Brandon Miller (shoulder) is questionable.

Luka Dončić vs. LaMelo Ball: The battle between the two super playmakers, provided Ball is fit enough to take the court.

Anthony Davis/Cooper Flagg vs. Miles Bridges: Dallas' new defensive perimeter will be put through its paces by Bridges' athleticism and versatility.

The odds for Pacers vs. Thunder and Mavericks vs. Hornets note yet updated on stake.com. Stay updated with article. We’ll publish the betting odds once Stake.com publishes.

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The series is typified by the Finals revenge narrative. While the Pacers have proven themselves capable of bucking the Thunder, Thunder consistency and spectacular defensive framework, which was 1st in Defensive Rating in 2025, make them very difficult to beat. The absence of star players on both teams will level the field, but the Thunder's championship pedigree and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's individual talent should be sufficient to squeeze out a hard-won win.

• Final Score Prediction: Thunder win 118-112

The Mavericks are looking at a superb season, and their Luka Dončić and new superstar Anthony Davis-led offense is unstoppable. The Hornets, while dynamic, will not be able to stop the Mavericks' offense, especially with starters like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller questionable. The Mavericks' strong preseason showing means they are going to put last season in the rearview mirror, and they should take it easily at home.

• Final Score Prediction: Mavericks 125-110

These opening week games are a prime indicator of the NBA power balance. The winners won't merely set themselves up with favorable first-half form but also further solidify themselves as serious top-level players in their respective conferences.