Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers – Game #43
Victor Wembanyama will try to lead the Spurs to another big win in Paris (Photo via X)
After San Antonio’s big win on Thursday against the Indiana Pacers in Paris, the Spurs will try to get another victory over the Pacers on Saturday morning. The Spurs enter the game with a record of 20-22, while the Pacers sit at 24-20.
During the first game in Paris, hometown kid Victor Wembanyama shined. In 32 minutes, he totaled 30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and five blocks. The big Parisian hit 13-of-21 shots from the field, including 4-of-11 from three-point territory. Other players on the Spurs, such as Devin Vassell and Harrison Barnes, also starred for the Silver and Black in the team’s 140-110 win.
The Pacers were led by Bennedict Mathurin’s 24 points, while Pascal Siakam chipped in 18 points, six assists and four rebounds. The game was close in the first half but the Spurs ran away in the second half by putting 80 points on the board in the final two quarters.
Victor Wembanyama Shows Up Big at Home
It’s fair to say Wembanyama looked at home while playing in France. His 30 points were the most points he has scored in a game since Jan. 3. His six assists were the most he’s had in a game since Dec. 13. In his previous seven games, Wembanyama had only hit at least half his shots in one contest.
Devin Vassell Heating Up
After a bit of a slump, Vassell has been on fire in his last five games. During that stretch, he has scored at least 21 points in each contest. He’s averaging 22.6 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists in that time frame, while hitting 51.9% of his shots from the field and 52.6% of his three-point attempts.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
San Antonio’s starting lineup isn’t easy to predict. Last game, interim head coach Mitch Johnson went with Chris Paul at point guard, Stephon Castle at shooting guard, Devin Vassell at small forward, Harrison Barnes at power forward and Victor Wembanyama at center.
Jeremy Sochan returned on Thursday against the Pacers and played really well off the bench. The coaching staff could decide to put Sochan in the starting five and remove Castle. Then again, Johnson and his staff may opt to go with what worked so well in the first game in Paris.
Betting Guide: Spurs vs. Pacers
The Pacers are favored by two points and the over/under is 232 points. Considering that the two teams just combined for 250 points, the smart money is on the over. Wembanyama will be extra energized once again and the Pacers will look to leave Paris with a win.