The San Antonio Spurs (0-1) and Indiana Pacers (0-1) will face off in part of Friday’s NBA action.
The Spurs begin a four-game road trip after being blown out 129-102 in their home opener by the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. San Antonio trailed by as many as 35 points at one point. Keldon Johnson was among few bright spots with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Jakob Poeltl (14), Tre Jones (14), Doug McDermott (12), Devin Vassell (11), and Josh Primo (10) each scored in double-figures.
“You start with the fact we got thumped, and you don’t avoid it, you don’t hide from it,” Popovich said. “We got our butts kicked. And from there, you can look to improve. You can’t act like it didn’t happen — that’s the most important part.”
In the Pacers’ 114-107 loss to the Washington Wizards on opening night, Tyrese Haliburton recorded game-highs of 26 points and seven assists. Bennedict Mathurin made his NBA debut and finished with 19 points off the bench while Buddy Hield and Jalen Smith each chipped in 16 points. Myles Turner was ruled out shortly before tipoff after injuring his ankle in warmups.
“We made, really, some very bad mistakes on switches throughout the game that gave Washington layup after layup,” Indiana coach Rick Carlisle said. “We’ve got to get that fixed. Our guys really competed. We made mistakes — a lot of them were at inopportune times — but our spirit was good, and we certainly can, and will, get better.”
How To Watch San Antonio Spurs vs Indiana Pacers
Date: Friday, Oct. 21
Time: 7 p.m. (EST)
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
TV Channel: Bally Sports Southwest (Spurs), Bally Sports Indiana (Pacers)
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
NBA Injury Report: San Antonio Spurs vs Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers Injury Report: Aaron Nesmith – Questionable (Left Foot Soreness), Jalen Smith – Questionable (Right Knee Soreness), Myles Turner – Out (Left Ankle Sprain), Daniel Theis – Out (Right Knee Soreness)
San Antonio Spurs Injury Report: None
NBA Projected Starters: San Antonio Spurs vs Indiana Pacers
Indiana Pacers Probable Starting Lineup: G Tyrese Haliburton, G Buddy Hield, F Chris Duarte, F Jalen Smith, C Terry Taylor
San Antonio Spurs Probable Starting Lineup: G Tre Jones, G Devin Vassell, F Keldon Johnson, F Jeremy Sochan, C Jakob Poeltl
