The sensational Victor Wembanyama gets to bring his San Antonio Spurs to his home country. The scorching-hot Indiana Pacers get to make a statement and hit Paris Fashion Week. Myles Turner gets to wear a series of berets. And NBA fans get an early start. Twist our arms, why don’t ya? The Spurs and Pacers tip off from the French capital Thursday, a game steeped in both intrigue and frivolity.

How to watch San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers

The Spurs are really good at: Having Victor Wembanyama. He routinely makes the sport look disarmingly simple:

YEAH VIC 👏 pic.twitter.com/mbSyGZ09FA

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 19, 2025

San Antonio is best at blocking shots, leading the league off the strength of that aforementioned Wembanyama-having. They don’t foul much and make opponents earn their points with the fewest free throws allowed per game.

The Pacers are really good at: Putting the ball in the hoop. Last year’s zipping, ultra-confident offense is finally back. Indy is up to 49.5 percent from the field in its last 15 games, of which it won 11. The fast-paced Pacers rank top 10 in possessions per game, offensive rating, assists and 3-pointers made. Seven players are averaging double-figure scoring. Tyrese Haliburton is at 50/41/89 shooting splits this month. If you’re looking to get buckets wholesale, these guys are your trusted vendors.

Why the Spurs will lock in: Stephon Castle is getting a lot better as his rookie year rolls on. He put together three consecutive 20-point games from Jan. 13-17. Plus, Devin Vassell has been money from behind the arc in his last four (15-for-32). But this game should mean far more to Wembanyama than to anyone else. French basketball is in a strong, vibrant place right now, with Wemby carrying several decades of national history in his fledging superstardom.

Why the Pacers will lock in: Jet lag aside, there’s no reason to think they won’t. This team is 15-5 in its last 20. The early-season lulls are but a distant memory. With sustained momentum here, the Pacers can think about leaping the Bucks, Knicks and perhaps even Celtics in the conference standings.

Starting five of players to wear both jerseys (minimum 50 games with each franchise):

• G — George Hill
• G —  Stephen Jackson
• F —  Chuck Person
• F — David West
• C — Bob Netolicky

Starting five of NBA French players:

Spurs vs. Pacers odds

(Photo of Victor Wembanyama: Garrett Ellwood / NBAE via Getty Images)