The Oklahoma City Thunder achieved a narrow 114-112 overtime victory against the Indiana Pacers during a preseason game at the Paycom Center on Tuesday. Zhaire Smith made a crucial shot to secure the win with 45.6 seconds remaining. However, the victory was overshadowed by a significant injury to rookie Otega Oweh, who sustained a lower-body injury during the overtime period. Oweh collapsed to the floor and appeared to injure his right ankle.
Read More
Further evaluations have confirmed that Oweh has suffered a torn Achilles tendon, which will sideline him for the entire 2026-27 NBA season. This injury adds to the Thunder's existing concerns about their roster, despite the return of players Ajay Mitchell and Jalen Williams to full health. The team had been optimistic about building momentum ahead of the upcoming season.
In related news, Tyrese Haliburton of the Pacers made his return to Oklahoma City for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon in the 2025 NBA Finals. Haliburton scored 24 points in the game, despite the loss, and expressed relief at how he managed his emotions during the return. Haliburton's past injury had left a significant mark on his career, but he appeared optimistic moving forward.