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It’s kind of amazing to see that the team that took the Thunder to 7 games in last year’s finals, and had a shot at winning it all until their best player was lost to injury is now the worst team in the association, trailing the Wizards by two games to inhabit
the Eastern Conference cellar. They did beat the Warriors in their sixth game of the season, which might be their most notable win over the season, having beat Golden State more times than the Spurs so far this season. There’s no way to hide that the Pacers are bad this year, but they have one of the best coaches in the league with Rick Carlisle, and his teams have always given the Spurs trouble.
The Spurs come off of an inspiring comeback win over the Knicks on New Year’s Eve, which was almost a terrible night for the Silver and Black as Victor Wembanyama had to leave the game with a knee injury in the fourth quarter. The French phenom returned to the bench late and seemed to be walking fine as he led the fans in a victory celebration. Diagnostic tests the next day showed no serious long term damage to the knee, which was great news for the team and its fans everywhere. The injury news almost overshadowed the fact that the team played solid defense and got clutch scoring from Julian Champagnie and De’Aaron Fox to pull out a victory in the only game so far against the Knicks that counts in the standings.
Wembanyama won’t be traveling with the team tonight as he takes treatment, and Devin Vassell will be out with an adductor strain, so the same lineup that finished the Knicks game will have to be the team that takes care of the Pacers. This should be a win for the good guys if they treat the opponent with appropriate fear, but any letdown and the Pacers could make things tough for the Silver and Black. It’s the first game of a back-to-back, as the Spurs return to San Antonio to face Tiago Splitter’s Trail Blazers tomorrow. Wembanyama could return for tomorrow’s game, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the team was extra cautious with him, as we have seen what long term injuries will do to teams with the Pacers. Trust in Mitch and follow the plan. Let’s go Spurs!!
Game Prediction:
Julian Champagnie will break his team record for three-point shots in a game by sinking 14 threes, including three end of quarter buzzer beaters.
San Antonio Spurs vs Indiana Pacers
January 2, 2026 | 6:00 PM CT
Streaming: NBA League Pass
TV: FanDuel Sports Southwest
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