Hoops Habit
Fansided

Heat vs Spurs in Mexico City: How to watch, time, what to know

By Leocciano Callao

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat in action against Romeo Langford #35 of the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter of the game at FTX Arena on December 10, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat in action against Romeo Langford #35 of the San Antonio Spurs during the third quarter of the game at FTX Arena on December 10, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The NBA is at a pivotal point in reaching fans overseas. The success of international players such as Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Joel Embiid has been a catalyst to the league building a global audience.

Another factor in this worldwide success has been the NBA Global Games. Bringing games to foreign countries has enabled the league, its teams, and players to engage with fanbases far from the United States and Canada. As announced in August, the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs will take the court in Mexico City on Saturday, Dec. 17. Here are some details.

What time does the game start and where can you watch it?

The game tips off at 4:00 PM CST in Arena Ciudad de Mexico. That would be 5:00 PM EST for fans watching on the east coast and 2:00 PM PST for those in western states.

Fans in Mexico can tune in on ESPN, TUDN, and NBA League Pass. Meanwhile, fans in the United States and other countries can catch the action on NBA TV.

The NBA and Mexico City

The NBA and Mexico are no strangers to each other. Mexico’s proximity to the United States and Canada has allowed it to be the league’s most visited country. For the past 30 years, the nation has played host to 30 NBA games prior to Saturday’s matchup.

https://twitter.com/espn/status/1205319278460841985?lang=en

While the COVID-19 pandemic briefly stunted the Global Games, they are set to return in front of the passionate Mexican fanbase. The NBA’s most recent visit to Mexico was in December of 2019 when the Detroit Pistons lost to the Dallas Mavericks in Mexico City. Two days later, the San Antonio Spurs bested the Phoenix Suns in the same arena. On Saturday, the Spurs return to Mexico City but this time they face an old rival in the Miami Heat.

The two teams have shared some memories including the 2013 and 2014 NBA Finals which they evenly split. Back-and-forth battles between LeBron James, Tim Duncan, and their respective squads have given NBA fans some of the most hair-raising moments in recent history. While Greg Popovich and Erik Spoelstra still serve as head coaches, the rosters have changed a lot since. With the Heat now being led by Jimmy Butler, and the Spurs becoming home to some of the league’s young talents.

Next. Devin Vassell’s breakout season should give Spurs fans hope for the future. dark

The Heat are currently 8th in the Eastern Conference, while the struggling Spurs sit on the 14th seed in the west. On paper, the Heat should return to the States with a victory, but both teams are hungry and fans can expect a good game on Saturday.