The NBA returns to the city of love, Paris, with two exciting games between the five-time champion San Antonio Spurs and the Indiana Pacers, to be played at the Accor Arena. This time, the spotlight will be on young star Victor Wembanyama, the 2024 Rookie of the Year, as well as point guard Sidy Cissoko, also a native of France. These games will mark the fourth and fifth time the NBA has brought its games to French soil, further cementing the ties between the league and European fans.
In addition, the event will feature a unique, interactive experience where fans will be able to influence what happens in the arena during a celebrity show. Judo icon Teddy Riner and Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon will be leading the teams, while artist Dadju will be in charge of the musical part, promising an unforgettable show. The event will feature not only celebrities but also influencers and NBA legends.
Dates
Game 1: Thursday, January 23 2:00 p.m. ET
Game 2: Saturday, January 25 12:00 p.m. ET
Victor Wembanyama is not only the star on the court as the Spurs' center, but he is also the big name at the NBA Games in Paris, as these will be his first NBA games in his native country. Wemby left an indelible mark with the Metropolitans 92 in the French capital before being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 Draft by the San Antonio Spurs.
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France has established itself as one of the most important nations in exporting talent to the NBA, and the Paris games come at a key moment. With the selection of Zaccharie Risacher in the 2024 Draft, France became the first nation to have two players selected at the No. 1 spot in the draft in a row. In addition, Paris has just hosted the Olympic Games, where basketball took center stage with a thrilling final between France and the USA for the gold medal.
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are currently ranked 12th in the Western Conference with a record of 19 wins and 22 losses, having lost their last three games. However, Victor Wembanyama, who ranks fifth in the MVP standings, leads the team in points (24.4), rebounds (10.8), blocks (4.0, best in the league) and three-pointers (3.2). In addition, the Spurs boast a young roster, with their top six scorers all 25 years old or younger, while veteran Chris Paul leads the team in assists with an average of 8.2.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers, meanwhile, are in fifth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 24 wins and 19 losses, having won their last two games. Led by two-time All-Stars Pascal Siakam (20.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Tyrese Haliburton (17.9 ppg, 8.8 apg), the Pacers have managed to overcome a difficult start to the season (10-15 in the first 25 games) and are looking to repeat their successful campaign that took them to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.
In head-to-head history, San Antonio leads with 58 wins to the Pacers' 44, although the Pacers last won on November 6, 2023.
Forecasts
Indiana Pacers is the favorite team for Thursday's game with odds of -151 to +131 for San Antonio Spurs.
The total is set at 230 being "More than" and "Less than" -110.
The NBA in Paris will be an unforgettable spectacle that will unite basketball with French passion!
