Sometimes you have to leave it all behind, fly overseas, and look for a fresh start. At least that’s what the San Antonio Spurs will attempt to do after going 3-7 in their last ten games and getting blown out in their last three. A trip to Victor Wembanyama’s homeland in Paris, France could be just what they need to right the ship. They’ll say bonjour to the Indiana Pacers, who are currently surging as they’ve won 8 of their last 9 games.

It’s a major landmark game for the Spurs who visit France for the first time since drafting Wembanyama. They’ve spent the week doing plenty of community events and even appearing at fashion shows. While this is officially a road game for the Spurs, expect a home environment for San Antonio with most of the local crowd showing up to support Wembanyama and company.

These Paris games will have a lot of flash and celebration around them, but they are extremely important for the Spurs. Two losses here will put them in a tough position in the Western Conference standings and could impact how the front office operates with the trade deadline looming. These aren’t quite “must-win” affairs yet, but San Antonio needs something to go its way if they want to continue pushing for a playoff berth this season.

San Antonio Spurs (19-22) vs. Indiana Pacers (24-19)

January 23, 2025 | 1 PM CT

Watch: NBA TV | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spurs Injuries: Jeremy Sochan – Questionable (back), Riley Minix – Out (G League), David Duke Jr. – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League)

Pacers Injuries: Rayj Dennis – Questionable (G League), Enrique Freeman – Questionable (G League), Isaiah Jackson – Out (achilles), James Wiseman – Out (achilles), Quenton Jackson – Out (G League)

What to watch for:

Defending the perimeter

The Spurs have gotten lit up from three recently. Without Jeremy Sochan, their perimeter defense has suffered. The third-year forward is questionable for this game, but reports indicate he will try to play. Indiana plays a pace and space style. They want to get the ball up the floor and shoot open threes. Indiana is 7th in the NBA in three-point (or as the French say, trois points) percentage. They have several bigs like Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner who can space the floor. San Antonio will have to contain drivers and get out to shooters if they want to hold back a potent Pacers offensive attack.

Getting Wembanyama involved

Look, this is the Paris games. Wemby is going to be motivated to have some big-time performances. The Spurs need to get him the ball in advantageous positions to allow that to happen. Indiana has stout big men who may try to slow down Wembanyama’s interior attack. Running Wemby off flex screens, and using him in the pick-and-roll or running action to get him the ball in the middle of the court would help Vic establish a greater offensive rhythm throughout the game.

Winning the bench minutes

Indiana is not a deep team. Their starting unit is talented, but the bench leaves a lot to be desired. TJ McConnell is solid and somewhat of a nuisance, Obi Toppin and Aaron Nesmith are tough scorers, but the rest of the group is easy to overlook. If Sochan is back, the Spurs should be able to move Stephon Castle back to the bench where he can run the second unit alongside Tre Jones and Keldon Johnson. A big night from the bench could be all the Spurs need to propel them to victory.