Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers

Injuries can really derail a season. Just ask the Indiana Pacers, who have not only been without star guard Tyrese Haliburton all year, but also many of their key rotation players for extended periods of time. 24 players have logged minutes for the Pacers this season. The San Antonio Spurs also dealt with their share of injuries, but managed to weather the storm without key players. They will have to start again Friday night in Indianapolis, as they will be without Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell.

The Spurs are coming off a win against the New York Knicks, in which they came back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter thanks to Julian Champagnie’s hot shooting. The victory came at a cost, as Wembanyama hyperextended his knee. Reports indicate that even though the MRI on his knee came back negative, the Spurs could be without him for a game or two.

The Pacers are headed to the lottery just one year after reaching Game 7 of the NBA Finals last season. They currently have the worst record in the NBA. They score the fewest points per game in the league and have one of the worst defensive ratings. They are currently on a 10-game losing streak. This team still has some high-level talent, with players like Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard.

San Antonio has downplayed its competition in the past. On paper, the Spurs should beat the Pacers hands down. But the game is not played on paper; It’s played on hardwood. With a tough stretch of the schedule coming up in January, the Spurs need to take advantage of a winnable game.

January 2, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. CT

Watch: Fan duel | Listen: WOAI (12:00 p.m.)

Spurs injuries: Stanley Umude – Out (G League), David Jones-Garcia – Out (G League), Harrison Ingram – Out (G League), Devin Vassell – Out (thigh), Victor Wembanyama – Out (knee)

Pacers injuries: Tyrese Haliburton – Out (Achilles), Isaiah Jackson – Out (concussion), TJ McConnell – Likely (hamstring), Obi Toppin – Out (foot)

The Pacers are near the bottom in many statistics. One thing they do very well is guard the three-point line. Opposing teams are shooting 34% from deep against Indiana this year. San Antonio can make tough threes, but they are much better when they relentlessly attack the paint. The Spurs’ guard trio of Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper should be able to get around Indy’s guards and get into the paint against the Pacers. Once there, they’ll have to watch out for Indiana big man Jay Huff, who averages 2.3 blocks per game.

Punishing the Pacers on the glass

Indiana is not a good rebounding team. They are 24th in total rebounds and allow their opponents to grab the second most rebounds per game in the league. San Antonio can exploit this weakness with its aggressive rebounders. Luke Kornet, Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie should feast on the glass against Indy. Second chance points could lead to major changes for the Spurs, allowing them to leave Indianapolis with a resounding victory.

Without Wembanyama or Vassell, Mitch Johnson will have to deepen his bench. That probably means more Kelly Olynyk, who was solid against the Knicks, Carter Bryant, who had his ups and downs as a rookie, Lindy Waters, a sharpshooter, and yes, Jeremy Sochan. The Spurs haven’t found a way to use Sochan much this year, but he filled in for Wemby or Kornet as a backup when Wemby or Kornet were out. An undersized Pacers team could be a good time to use Sochan, and possibly get him back on track.