Inter-conference squads with drastically different season outlooks go head-to-head on Friday night, as the Indiana Pacers host the San Antonio Spurs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The Spurs (24–9, 2nd West) got revenge against the Knicks in an NBA Cup Finals rematch on New Year’s Eve, though the win was soured by Victor Wembanyama’s hyperextended knee. Meanwhile, the Pacers (6–28, 15th East) have been the NBA’s punching bag this season, entering Friday on a 10-game losing streak with the league’s worst record.
Here’s a look at the Injury Report:
San Antonio Spurs
- Out: Victor Wembanyama (Knee), Devin Vassell (Adductor)
Sacramento Kings
- Out: Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), Isaiah Jackson (Concussion), Obi Toppin (Foot)
- Probable: T.J. McConnell (Hamstring)
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. San Antonio enters as a 5.5-point road favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, while Indiana is listed as a +200 underdog. The game’s total is set at 237.5 points.
Spurs vs. Pacers Preview
San Antonio Spurs Preview
The Spurs will be without two key starters Friday, including arguably the NBA’s most dominant force, but absences haven’t seemed to slow them down this season. San Antonio went 9–3 while Victor Wembanyama was sidelined with a calf strain, fueled by an exceptionally deep roster that embraces a “next man up” mentality.
Even without Devin Vassell, the Spurs’ backcourt — shared by former All-Star De’Aaron Fox and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle — remains one of the league’s most formidable guard tandems. They’re flanked by emerging forwards Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie, the latter coming off a career-high 36-point performance while burying a franchise-record 11 threes in Wednesday’s win over the Knicks.
Indiana Pacers Preview
The Pacers have not shown that same resilience without star guard Tyrese Haliburton, tumbling from an NBA Finals appearance to the worst record in the league. Drained by the NBA’s worst offense, Indiana owns a 28th-ranked net rating and enters Friday on a 10-game skid.
Pascal Siakam has done his best to shoulder the load, averaging 23.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game — solid production, but not enough to revive a franchise.
Things aren’t much better on the defensive end, as the Pacers have allowed the NBA’s 8th-most points per game. The lone bright spot? They’ve completely locked down the perimeter and allow the fewest opponent three-pointers in the NBA.
Spurs vs. Pacers Pick, Best Bet
Even without their franchise superstar, the Spurs have maintained momentum and pose a threat to even the NBA’s top-tier teams. The same can’t be said for Indiana without Haliburton. Count on the slashing backcourt duo of Fox and Castle to carve through the Pacers’ perimeter pressure and catalyze a decisive Spurs win on Friday night.
