It’s Basketball Time: Spurs at Pacers (Paris)

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The Spurs are coming off their worst week of the season, losing three games by wide margins to the Grizzlies (twice) and the Heat. They had a few days off to travel and enjoy the beauty of France and Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The game seems almost on the sidelines, but the Pacers are one of the top teams in the East and are in fifth place and have won 8 of their last 10 games. They are 2.5 games ahead of the Heat in the standings and the Spurs will have to play much better than they did against the Heat to have a chance to win tonight’s (today’s?) game.

The Pacers have a formidable lineup with Tyrese Halliburton, Pascal Siakam, Myles Turner, Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin starting and TJ McConnell leading a strong bench group. Jeremy Sochan is listed as doubtful for today, which is an upgrade on his recent status, but I expect Spurs to be careful with his injury and keep him out of at least one of the Paris games, and my guess is that he wants Saturday’s game in the home game at the Accor Arena.

Tonight’s game is technically a road game, but the crowd should be solidly on the side of the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama, who is an even bigger star in France than he is in the United States. Don’t forget Sidy Cissoko, who will be cheered by the French crowd if he manages to get into the game. There will be a ton of upsets this week and it will be interesting to see if teams will be able to concentrate on the basketball for 48 minutes today. This game is in the middle of the day, so if you’re at work, be sure to record the game to watch later, or do like me and check out for a few hours to catch the action. Allons-y Spurs!

Game Prediction:

In a surprise move, coach Mitch Johnson started Sidy Cissoko, who played 38 minutes and scored 30, to the delight of the French fans in attendance at the Accor Arena.

A final word:

Allez les éperons allez!!!

San Antonio Spurs at Indiana Pacers (Paris)
January 23, 2025 | 1:00pm CT (8:00pm local time)
Streaming: League Pass
TV: NBA TV, KENS

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