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 long stretches. 24
players have logged minutes for the Pacers this season. The San Antonio Spurs have dealt with their fair share of injuries, too, but have managed to weather the storm without key players. They’ll need to do it again on Friday night in Indianapolis, as they’ll 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 fourth-quarter deficit thanks to the hot shooting of Julian Champagnie. The win came with a cost, as Wembanyama hyperextended his knee. Reports indicate that while the MRI on his knee came back negative, the Spurs could be without him for a game or two.
The Pacers are headed for the lottery just a year after getting to Game 7 of the NBA Finals last season. They currently have the worst record in the NBA. They score the least amount of 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 top-level talent, with players like Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard.
San Antonio has played down to its competition in the past. On paper, the Spurs should beat the Pacers handily. But the game isn’t 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 matchup.
San Antonio Spurs (24-9) vs. Indiana Pacers (6-28)
January 2nd, 2025 | 6 PM CT
Watch: Fan Duel | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)
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), T.J. McConnell – Probable (hamstring), Obi Toppin – Out (foot)
What to watch for:
Getting into the paint
The Pacers are near the bottom in a lot of stats. One thing they do really 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 are relentlessly attacking the paint. The Spurs’ guard trio of Stephon Castle, De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper should be able to get arond Indy’s guards and into the paint against the Pacers. Once they get there, they’ll need to watch out for Indiana big man, Jay Huff, who is averaging 2.3 blocks per game.
Punishing the Pacers on the glass
Indiana isn’t 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 swings for the Spurs, allowing them to leave Indianapolis with a blowout win.
A deeper bench
With no Wembanyama or Vassell, Mitch Johnson will need to go deeper into his bench. That likely means more Kelly Olynyk, who was solid against the Knicks, Carter Bryant, who has been up and down 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 has filled in as a backup big man when Wemby or Kornet have been out. An undersized Pacers squad could be the right time to use Sochan, and possibly get him back on the right track.
