The OKC Thunder continued preseason play with a 116-101 road loss to the Indiana Pacers on Saturday.

Here are three takeaways from the game:

OKC Thunder schedule release 2025-26: See all 82 NBA games, dates for reigning champions

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Ajay Mitchell, Isaiah Joe exit game with first-half injuries

After missing OKC’s first three games due to a sprained ankle, Ajay Mitchell made his preseason debut.

The sophomore guard picked up where he left off following an All-Summer League second team selection in July. He patiently dissected the Pacers’ defense, scored with great efficiency and created for others.

Mitchell racked up 16 points on 6-for-8 shooting from the floor to go along with three assists, two steals and one block in only 15 minutes. But his dominant showing came to an end with 2:45 left until halftime when he rolled his left ankle. Mitchell limped off the floor with assistance and did not return.

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An update on Mitchell’s injury has not yet been given, but it’s another blow to OKC’s backcourt depth. Nikola Topić underwent a testicular procedure on Oct. 6, and he’ll be re-evaluated sometime between Nov. 3-17.

Isaiah Joe also came up limping late in the first quarter with an apparent left knee injury. He checked out of the game and didn’t return either.

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Chris Youngblood continues preseason push for OKC’s final two-way spot

Even in Indiana, it’s football season.

There’s excitement around the Indianapolis Colts, who are 4-1 for the first time since 2013. There’s excitement around the No. 7-ranked Indiana Hoosiers, who defeated the No. 2 Oregon Ducks on Saturday afternoon to improve to 6-0.

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But is there excitement around preseason basketball? Not so much. A look at the depleted crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, which was rocking during the NBA Finals in June, would’ve told you that.

Still, Saturday’s preseason game mattered to Chris Youngblood. The undrafted guard is fighting for OKC’s final two-way contract, and he strengthened his case by scoring 25 points on 4-for-9 shooting from deep in 31 minutes off the bench.

Youngblood has made the most of his opportunities this preseason on an OKC team that hasn’t played its usual contributors much. He’s averaging 14.5 points on 44.4% shooting from deep through four games.

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Brooks Barnhizer dominates on the boards

The 3-point shot will eventually go down for Youngblood.

Nobody on the Thunder knows that as well as Brooks Barnhizer, who has been playing alongside the fellow rookie for months dating back to Summer League. So when Youngblood missed a pair of 3-pointers in the final moments of Saturday’s contest, Barnhizer was there to grab the offensive rebound each time and give the ball back to him.

The third try proved to be the charm, as Youngblood’s triple from the corner finally found the bottom of the net.

Barnhizer dominated on the glass throughout the night. The 6-6 rookie racked up 11 rebounds to go along with 16 points, two steals and one assist.

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Rebounding is one of the many strengths of Barnhizer, who continues to do it all for OKC this preseason. He’s a stout defender, a relentless rebounder for his size and an unselfish player.

Justin Martinez covers sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

More: Thunder rookie Chris Youngblood earns SGA shoutout, still has ‘business to take care of’

Thunder vs. Bucks

TIPOFF: 7 p.m. Tuesday at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee (Peacock)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder drops preseason game against Indiana Pacers