The NBA is heading to Paris next week as the Chicago Bulls take on the Detroit Pistons in a regular-season game in Europe.
The Accor Arena will host the highly-anticipated clash on January 19 on what is expected to be a huge night as basketball’s big guns cross the Atlantic. And with the likes of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine in action, there has been huge interest in trips to the French capital.
A study from Hotels.com has found a 55% spike in hotel searches in Paris for the night of the game compared to the same date the following week. Americans and Koreans lead the international fanbase flocking to the city whilst a number of British fans are also expected to make the trip.
One of the big storylines will be the homecoming of French star Killian Hayes. And with the NBA ready to takeover a city he holds close to his heart, the Detroit Pistons guard has given fans his tips to enjoy the occasion.
"France is where my career began, and Paris is one of my favourite cities in the world," Hayes said. "It really is my perfect somewhere filled with culture, arts, food and history. I have been to Paris too many times to count over the years, but with so much to explore and see, you can just never see it all.
“One of my favourite memories is coming to watch the Christmas lights switch on along the Champs-Élysées — it was magical. My top tip when visiting this spectacular city is to bring a pair of trainers and walk everywhere.
“There is no better way to get a feel for a city than spending a day walking through the streets and taking in the atmosphere. If you can, take a trip down to the court in Pigalle, it really is a special place. I also love fashion, so I often head to the ‘le Triangle d’Or’ to shop when I visit Paris.
“I’m looking forward to returning to France for The NBA Paris Game 2023 and am hoping to take home a W and lots of new Paris memories.”
British fans have offered a nearly unanimous verdict on the game, with almost 80% of fans surveyed by Hotels.com backing the Bulls to come away with the win. The Bulls, famous for their dominance with Michael Jordan, rank as the top NBA team fans in the UK would travel to watch, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks.
They head to Paris enduring a tough season so far but still fighting to make the play-offs in the Eastern Conference, whilst the Detroit Pistons are bottom of the pile after a campaign to forget. They were hit by a season-ending injury to second year star Cade Cunningham but will hope a trip to Europe can hand them some relief as Hayes and his teammates eye a big win.
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