Image Source: NBA.com
Nuggets vs Pacers headlines the NBA’s latest international showcase as Denver and Indiana prepare to meet in Mexico City on Nov. 7. The matchup brings a historic setting, a superstar chasing another milestone and a major injury absence into focus.
The game will be the 35th NBA contest played in Mexico since 1992, including the country’s 16th regular-season game. Mexico has hosted more NBA games outside the United States and Canada than any other country, making Saturday’s event another significant moment for the league’s global growth.
Nuggets vs Pacers Set for a Historic Mexico City Showdown
The game is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET, or 4 p.m. local time, at Arena CDMX. The venue has hosted every NBA game in Mexico City since opening in 2012 and is also home to the Mexico City Capitanes of the NBA G League.
The matchup arrives during the traditional Día de Muertos celebrations. Fans can expect a specially themed court, in-arena entertainment and several activities designed to connect basketball with Mexican culture. The NBA Mexico City Game has become an annual international highlight, and this year marks the fifth consecutive season in which the league has staged a regular-season game in the country.
Jokić Chases Another Astonishing Milestone
All eyes will be on Denver’s Nikola Jokić, who enters the contest after recording the 201st triple-double of his career. The Serbian center produced 32 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists in Denver’s win over Toronto immediately before the trip to Mexico.
Jokić now needs only nine more triple-doubles to move past former teammate Russell Westbrook for the most in NBA history. He has also recorded 90 triple-doubles before the fourth quarter began, underlining his extraordinary ability to control games across every statistical category.
This will be just the Nuggets’ second trip to Mexico. Denver previously played a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors in 2006, but Saturday’s contest offers Mexican fans their first opportunity to watch Jokić lead the team in person during a regular-season game.
Pacers Face Critical Test Without Haliburton
Indiana will play without All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. The team expects him to miss at least another week, creating an immediate challenge for a Pacers group still searching for consistency.
Haliburton missed the entire previous season while recovering from a torn Achilles suffered during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Indiana finished that campaign with a 19-63 record without its star guard and has gone 1-4 in his absence this season.
The Pacers have been 11.3 points per 100 possessions better with Haliburton on the court compared with their performance when he is off it this season. His absence places greater responsibility on Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard and the rest of Indiana’s rotation.
Siakam has averaged 21.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists across eight games this season. Nembhard has also made an impressive start, averaging a career-best 19 points, 6.9 assists and 39.5% shooting from 3-point range.
Brotherly Battle Adds an Intriguing Twist
The Nuggets-Pacers meeting could also feature the first professional head-to-head matchup between brothers Andrew and Ryan Nembhard. Andrew, the older sibling, starts at guard for Indiana, while Ryan is on a two-way contract with Denver and splits time between the Nuggets and their G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold.
Ryan Nembhard has appeared in three games for Denver this season. His potential matchup with Andrew adds a personal storyline to an already compelling international event and gives fans another reason to watch closely.
How to Watch the NBA Mexico City Game
The game will be televised in the United States on NBA TV and will also be available through NBA League Pass. In Mexico, the contest will air on ESPN, with coverage also available across Latin America and in international markets through ESPN on Disney+.
The broadcast will reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories. While tickets to the game and premium hospitality packages have sold out, an additional House of Legends experience remains available for eligible adult guests. The event includes live entertainment, food and appearances by NBA Legends Nenê and Danilo Gallinari.
With Jokić pursuing history, Siakam carrying a larger offensive load and the Nembhard brothers potentially meeting on the professional stage, the Mexico City matchup has all the ingredients of a memorable NBA showcase.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Nuggets vs Pacers game?
The game is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. ET, or 4 p.m. local time in Mexico City.
Where will Nuggets vs Pacers be played?
The contest will take place at Arena CDMX, which has hosted every NBA game in Mexico City since the venue opened in 2012.
How can fans watch the game?
Viewers in the United States can watch on NBA TV or NBA League Pass. ESPN will carry the game in Mexico and across much of Latin America.
Is Tyrese Haliburton playing?
No. Haliburton is expected to miss the game while recovering from a hamstring injury.
What milestone is Nikola Jokić chasing?
Jokić has 201 career triple-doubles and needs nine more to surpass Russell Westbrook for the NBA record.
