Fans from at least 53 countries have bought tickets for the Spurs-Pacers games in Paris, a record for any league event.

The NBA is set to return to Paris with the Spurs facing the Pacers on January 23. Get the latest predictions, odds, and insights for the exciting Paris Games 2025 matchup.

The main events start Thursday when Wembanyama and the Spurs take on the Indiana Pacers in the first of two games in Paris. The rematch is Saturday, both happening at Accor Arena, the same building where Wembanyama played in the knockout round of the Paris Olympics last summer when he and France wound up losing to the U.S. in the gold-medal game.

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich remains away from the bench as he recovers from a stroke, with his return this season still up in the air.

Indiana’s Rick Carlisle has coached more games against San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich than anyone else. They’ve had 87 head-to-head matchups, including playoffs.

PARIS – Legendary San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is “attacking his rehab with the same resilience” after suffering a stroke in November that he’d shown on the bench, chief executive RC Buford said,

Three days into their adventure in France, the Spurs have been missing one key piece of their traveling party. Coach Gregg Popovich would have loved this internationally flavored trip, except he is back in San Antonio still recovering from a stroke suffered in November.

The Spurs coach has not been on the sidelines since suffering a stroke on Nov. 2 before the team's game that evening.