A showdown between the Indiana Pacers and the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday afternoon could feel like a home game for San Antonio, thanks to the presence of French sensation Victor Wembanyama. Selected first overall by the Spurs in the 2023 draft, Wembanyama has quickly become a superstar and is expected to draw a large contingent of local fans at Accor Arena.
San Antonio Spurs
Key Player: Victor Wembanyama
- Recent Performance: Wembanyama last played in his home country during the Paris Olympics this past summer as a member of Team France. Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson is aware of the special opportunity for the 21-year-old phenom, who recently tallied 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 128-107 loss to the Miami Heat on Sunday.
Supporting Player: Devin Vassell
- Recent Performance: Vassell led the Spurs with 23 points in their most recent game against the Heat.
Indiana Pacers
Team Overview: The Pacers, despite not expecting crowd support in Paris, are led by coach Rick Carlisle and aim to thrive in a challenging environment. Indiana has shown resilience after a shaky start to the 2024-25 season, which included two separate three-game losing streaks and a four-game skid. However, they have recently found their stride, winning eight of their last nine games.
Key Player: Tyrese Haliburton
- Recent Performance: Although Haliburton struggled in the Pacers’ 115-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, scoring just nine points on 4-of-11 shooting, he remains a vital player for the team. Haliburton, like Wembanyama, competed in the Paris Olympics, helping the U.S. men’s basketball team secure a gold medal.
Supporting Players:
- Pascal Siakam: Siakam had 21 points and was one of six Indiana players in double figures against the 76ers.
- Myles Turner: Turner notched a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds in the same game.
Historical Context:
The upcoming game will be held at Accor Arena, the same venue where Haliburton and Team USA defeated France 98-87 in the Olympic gold-medal game. Haliburton did not play in the final but has been fueled by the desire to win a championship ever since.
Schedule:
The Pacers and Spurs will face each other again in Paris on Saturday before returning to the United States. This two-game series offers a unique opportunity for both teams to showcase their talents on an international stage and gain valuable experience.
This anticipated matchup between the Pacers and the Spurs in Paris will be one to watch, as both teams have much to prove and key players eager to make an impact in front of an international audience.
