Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs Indiana Pacers
01/25/2025 03:00 AM
Act 2 in Paris for the Spurs and the Pacers
After struggling mightily throughout most of January, perhaps the San Antonio Spurs just needed a change of scenery? They put a beat down on the Indiana Pacers in the first of their two games in Victor Wembanyama's homeland to the tune of 140-110, looking like things were finally clicking for them once again. That 140-mark is the most points that the team has scored in a game this entire season, while the margin of victory was the biggest of the year as well. They have a chance to close out this international trip with another big performance against Indiana, and after what has been a trying time these last few weeks, perhaps it can be the catalyst the team needed to shake off January as February and the All Star break approaches.
San Antonio Spurs (20-22) vs Indiana Pacers (24-20)
January 25 2025 | 11:00 AM CT
Watch: ESPN | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Injuries: None
Pacers Injuries: None
What to watch for
- Victor Wembanyama hadn't looked like himself really since that first game against Denver at the beginning of the month, at least not like the guy he seemed to be quickly turning into.He's struggled with his shot a bit this month and even had a game against Milwaukee where it felt like he wasn't even looking to shoot the ball. As is the case around the league for most teams, the Spurs are going to struggle to win games against almost anyone in the league if he's not playing like he's the best player on the court. Thursday's breakout in his homecoming against Indiana was the first time he's reached the 30-point mark since that first Denver game, an encouraging sign. Something to keep an eye on: He's not really getting to the free throw line. Thursday's game marked the 4th time in his last 7 games where he failed to attempt a single free throw.
- Tyrese Halliburton hasn't had the explosive season that he seemed destined for after Indiana's run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. He didn't light it up in Act 1 against the Spurs on this trip, being held to just 13 points and 7 assists. Keeping Halliburton in check makes things that much more difficult on the rest of Indiana's offense.
- Devin Vassell had a ridiculously efficient shooting performance in the win Thursday, going 9-13 from the floor and 5/6 from beyond the arc on his way to 25 points. Vassell has taken a back seat more than once this season thanks to the breakout play of Wembanymama and, to a lesser extent, Stephon Castle, but as arguably the best shooter out of any of the starters, the Spurs need him to stay aggressive and efficient. He's now scored at least 20 in each of the last 5 games.
- Pascal Siakam is the guy that Indiana feels most comfortable giving the ball to when they need someone to create a bucket out of nothing. He had an efficient outing in the first game in France, but was held to just 18 points. If given the chance (and the looks), he's more than capable of going off for a 30-point game.
For the Pacer fan's perspective, please visit Indy Cornrows.
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