Denver and Indiana bring NBA basketball back to Mexico City for a historic international matchup featuring Nikola Jokić, Pascal Siakam and a potential family showdown between the Nembhard brothers.

MEXICO CITY — November 7, 2026 — The NBA returns to Mexico City as the Denver Nuggets face the Indiana Pacers in one of the league's major international events of the 2026–27 season.

The matchup marks the 35th NBA game played in Mexico since 1992, reinforcing the country's position as the leading destination for NBA games outside the United States and Canada.

With three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić leading Denver and Indiana looking to overcome the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, the game promises an exciting showcase of international basketball.

The event also celebrates Mexican culture, incorporating Día de Muertos-inspired activities, special court designs and fan experiences.

When and Where Is the NBA Mexico City Game?

<text weight="medium">Saturday, November 7, 2026</text>

<box border radius="lg" padding={3} gap={2}> <row align="center" justify="between"> <box flex="1" align="center" gap={1}> <AsyncImage query="Denver Nuggets NBA basketball team official logo" aspectRatio="5:4" maxWidth="110px" fit="contain"/> **Denver Nuggets** <text color="secondary" size="xs">Western Conference</text> </box> <box align="center" gap={1}> <title size="lg">VS.</title> <text color="secondary" size="xs">Regular season</text> </box> <box flex="1" align="center" gap={1}> <AsyncImage query="Indiana Pacers NBA basketball team official logo" aspectRatio="5:4" maxWidth="110px" fit="contain"/> **Indiana Pacers** <text color="secondary" size="xs">Eastern Conference</text> </box> </row> <divider color="subtle"/> <grid columns={2} gap={3}> <grid-item> <row align="center" gap={2}> <icon name="clock" color="secondary"/> <box gap="0"> **5 p.m. ET** <text color="secondary" size="xs">4 p.m. Mexico City time</text> </box> </row> </grid-item> <grid-item> <row align="center" gap={2}> <icon name="map-pin" color="secondary"/> <box gap="0"> **Arena CDMX** <text color="secondary" size="xs">Mexico City, Mexico</text> </box> </row> </grid-item> </grid> </box>

Arena CDMX has hosted every NBA game played in Mexico City since the venue opened in 2012.

The arena is also home to the Mexico City Capitanes, the city's NBA G League franchise.

This year's event continues the league's longstanding relationship with Mexican basketball fans and represents the 16th regular-season NBA game played in the country.

How to Watch Nuggets vs. Pacers

Basketball fans can follow the international matchup through several television and streaming platforms.

RegionBroadcast or streamingUnited StatesNBA TVUnited States and supported marketsNBA League PassMexicoESPNSelect international marketsESPN on Disney+

The NBA expects coverage to reach audiences across more than 200 countries and territories through television, digital platforms and social media.

Broadcast availability may vary by location and subscription.

Nikola Jokić Approaches Another Historic Milestone

<row align="start" gap={3}> <AsyncImage query="Nikola Jokic Denver Nuggets basketball game action 2026" aspectRatio="3:4" maxWidth="144px"/> <box flex="1" gap={1}> **Nikola Jokić**

Denver's Serbian superstar enters the Mexico City matchup with another remarkable achievement within reach.

In his final game before traveling to Mexico, Jokić recorded his 201st career triple-double against the Toronto Raptors.

</box> </row>

The performance included 32 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists.

Even more impressively, Jokić completed the triple-double before the fourth quarter began, accomplishing that feat for the 90th time in his career.

According to the NBA's pregame report, he needs just nine additional triple-doubles to move past former teammate Russell Westbrook for the most in league history.

For fans in Mexico, the game offers a rare opportunity to watch one of basketball's most accomplished players in person.

Denver previously visited Mexico for a preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors in 2006, making this its second appearance in the country.

Nembhard Brothers Could Face Each Other

Another intriguing storyline involves Canadian brothers Andrew and Ryan Nembhard.

<grid columns={2} gap={3}> <grid-item> <AsyncImage query="Andrew Nembhard Indiana Pacers basketball player 2026" aspectRatio="4:3"/> **Andrew Nembhard** <text color="secondary" size="xs">Indiana Pacers</text> <title size="lg" color="default" tabularNums>19.0 PPG</title> <text size="sm">6.9 assists per game and 39.5% three-point shooting.</text> </grid-item> <grid-item> <AsyncImage query="Ryan Nembhard Denver Nuggets basketball player 2026" aspectRatio="4:3"/> **Ryan Nembhard** <text color="secondary" size="xs">Denver Nuggets</text> <title size="lg" color="default" tabularNums>6.4 PPG</title> <text size="sm">5.0 career assists per game; currently on a two-way contract.</text> </grid-item> </grid>

Andrew, the older brother, has established himself as an important member of Indiana's starting lineup.

Ryan, three years younger, splits his time between Denver and its G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold.

He has appeared in three NBA games this season after playing 60 games during the previous campaign.

If both brothers take the court, Mexico City could host their first professional head-to-head matchup.

Indiana Pacers Face Another Challenge Without Tyrese Haliburton

<row align="start" gap={3}> <AsyncImage query="Tyrese Haliburton Indiana Pacers basketball player game action" aspectRatio="3:4" maxWidth="144px"/> <box flex="1" gap={1}> **Tyrese Haliburton will miss the Mexico City game.**

Indiana's All-Star guard is recovering from a hamstring injury that is expected to sideline him for at least another week, according to the NBA's preview.

</box> </row>

The setback comes after Haliburton missed the entire previous season while recovering from a torn Achilles tendon sustained during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals.

Without him, the Pacers finished the 2025–26 season with a 19–63 record.

Indiana has also struggled during his absences this season, going 1–4 without its star playmaker.

The team's offensive and defensive efficiency combined has been 11.3 points per 100 possessions better with Haliburton on the court.

His absence places additional responsibility on Indiana's remaining offensive leaders.

Pascal Siakam Expected to Lead Indiana

<row align="start" gap={3}> <AsyncImage query="Pascal Siakam Indiana Pacers basketball player game action 2026" aspectRatio="3:4" maxWidth="144px"/> <box flex="1" gap={1}> **Pascal Siakam**

The veteran forward from Cameroon has been one of Indiana's most dependable contributors.

Through eight appearances this season, Siakam is averaging 21.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists.

</box> </row>

Siakam and Andrew Nembhard have already demonstrated their ability to carry the offense without Haliburton.

During Indiana's victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, the two combined for 42 points, with Nembhard scoring 22 and Siakam contributing 20.

Against Denver, Indiana will need another strong collective performance to compete with Jokić and the Nuggets.

Mexico City Celebrates Basketball and Día de Muertos

<AsyncImageGroup query={["NBA Mexico City Game Arena CDMX basketball court crowd","Mexico City Dia de Muertos traditional colorful decorations marigolds"]} aspectRatio="5:3" layout="carousel"/>

For the third consecutive year, the NBA Mexico City Game takes place during the period associated with Mexico's traditional Día de Muertos celebrations.

The event will feature a specially designed basketball court and themed arena activities inspired by the holiday.

The cultural elements are intended to make the occasion more than a regular-season basketball game, combining NBA entertainment with Mexican traditions.

Special NBA Experiences and Ticket Information

General admission tickets for the November 7 game went on sale May 29 and have sold out, according to the NBA's announcement.

Premium hospitality and VIP ticket packages have also sold out.

However, the separate House of Legends experience was still listed as available in the league's November 5 preview.

The event offers fans an opportunity to meet former NBA players Nenê and Danilo Gallinari while enjoying food, entertainment and basketball-related activities.

Participation is restricted to guests aged 18 and older, and the package does not include admission to the Nuggets-Pacers game.

NBA's Growing History in Mexico

Mexico has hosted more NBA games than any country outside the United States and Canada.

The November 7 matchup will bring the country's total to 35 games, including 19 preseason contests and 16 regular-season games.

Some notable previous results include:

YearMatchupResult1997Rockets vs. MavericksHouston 108–1062014Rockets vs. TimberwolvesHouston 113–1012015Celtics vs. KingsBoston 114–972019Mavericks vs. PistonsDallas 122–1112022Heat vs. SpursMiami 111–1012023Hawks vs. MagicAtlanta 120–1192024Heat vs. WizardsMiami 118–982025Pistons vs. MavericksDetroit 122–110

The 2026 event is also part of the NBA's broader international schedule, which includes games in Canada and China, along with planned showcases in Paris and Manchester in January 2027.

What to Expect From Nuggets vs. Pacers

Denver enters the matchup with the advantage of having Nikola Jokić orchestrating its offense.

His scoring, rebounding and passing abilities make him the central player to watch.

Indiana, meanwhile, must compensate for Haliburton's absence through strong performances from Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard and the rest of its roster.

The possible meeting between the Nembhard brothers adds a personal storyline to the occasion.

Beyond the competition, the event represents another opportunity for the NBA to strengthen its relationship with fans throughout Mexico and Latin America.

Final Thoughts

The NBA Mexico City Game 2026 brings together elite basketball talent, international representation and a celebration of Mexican culture.

With Nikola Jokić pursuing another historic milestone, the Pacers adjusting to life without Tyrese Haliburton and the Nembhard brothers potentially facing each other, the matchup offers several compelling reasons to watch.

Denver Nuggets vs. Indiana Pacers tips off Saturday, November 7, at 5 p.m. ET (4 p.m. Mexico City time) at Arena CDMX.

For basketball fans, it is another significant chapter in the NBA's long-running relationship with Mexico.

Editor's note: This article is a rewritten English-language adaptation of Brian Martin's NBA.com preview published November 5, 2026. Player statistics, injury information and ticket availability reflect the original pregame report and have not been independently updated.