The Thunder started Josh Dix in the second half with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Aday Mara. "We wanted to see him with the returning rotation players," Mark Daigneault said. Otega Oweh was hurt in overtime, his second setback; no status given.
Zhaire Smith sat the second half of Oklahoma City's Oct. 12 preseason game and all of regulation against Indiana on Oct. 13, then entered in overtime. "He goes in fresh in overtime and was ready to play," Mark Daigneault said after the Thunder erased a 20-point deficit.
Tyrese Haliburton returned in Oklahoma City on Oct. 13, and Indiana's Rick Carlisle said the game slowed down for him and he played undaunted by the past. "It's been a sixteen month period, which is a generous period of time for rehab. But it's long and arduous."
Ivica Zubac is still adjusting in Indiana. Rick Carlisle called him terrific in the Pacers' overtime game in Oklahoma City on Oct. 13, his screening a major plus, but said "there will continue to be adjustments as we go" as Zubac learns a new style and new teammates.
Otega Oweh was the first thing Rick Carlisle addressed after Indiana's overtime game in Oklahoma City on Oct. 13. The Pacers coach sent prayers: "Not sure what happened there, but it looked like a daunting situation." He gave no update on Oweh's condition.
"I fit seamlessly in with the guys." Kelly Oubre Jr., starting for Indiana with the point guard out, said he impacted the game but is still learning defensive schemes, terminology and closeouts. He thinks the Pacers "could play faster," but with "your head on your shoulders."