Spurs Forecast: February 8
After three games in four nights, the Spurs currently sit at 2-1 on their annual Rodeo Roadtrip. After a disappointing loss to the Blazers, the Spurs came back and squashed the Clippers on Saturday. Thanks to the Mavericks dropping four of their last five games, the Spurs are only a game and a half out of first place in the Southwest Division. With the All-Star break starting Friday, the Spurs have an abbreviated week that is short, sweet, and to the point.
Monday, February 8, 2010, 9:30 PM @ Los Angeles Lakers (39-13)
After defeating the Clippers Saturday, the Spurs stayed in Los Angeles yesterday and take on the Lakers this evening. The Lakers have been all out of sorts lately. Last week, they lost to Memphis, lost at home against Denver, and barely edged out a weak Bobcats team at the Staples Center. To make matters worse, Kobe is questionable for tonight’s match-up against the Spurs. While the Spurs would appreciate a good litmus test going into the break, Kobe or no Kobe, the team just could use a victory over a quality opponent and that’s just what this game could be for the Spurs. With George Hill stepping up in the manner the Spurs were hoping Jefferson would, the Spurs seem to finally have another solid guard in the rotation. If Mason, Finley, or Jefferson can bring a fifth scoring presence to the table, the Spurs will have a chance tonight.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 9:30 PM @ Denver Nuggets (34-17)
Carmelo Anthony is poised to make a return to the hardwood before heading into the All-Star weekend. This Nuggets team has been on fire as of late. Whether they were missing Chauncey or Carmelo or both, they have demonstrated one of the key attributes of a championship-caliber squad—finding ways to win games. Their role players have continued to grow in confidence and George Karl has this team playing extremely well. Denver is one of the toughest places to win because of the altitude and great team that plays there. The Spurs will have their hands full on Wednesday but nevertheless, they will look to vindicate their loss from two Sundays ago. The Spurs will need to attack inside and try to get to the line. If the Spurs can get either Nene or Martin to get into foul trouble, Andersen will be forced into playing heavy minutes. As the statistics show, they are a far less potent adversary when Andersen has to play for any lengthy amount of time. Another interesting thing to keep an eye on would be the potential small ball with Lawson and Billups versus Hill and Parker.
Prediction: 1-1
If the Spurs went 0-2 I wouldn’t be surprised, if they went 1-1 I’d be satisfied, and if they went 2-0 I’d be ecstatic. This week by far is going to be the toughest one yet. Should the Spurs be so fortunate as to face the Lakers without Kobe and the Nuggets without Melo, these teams possess enough depth in order to still make it a game—especially when you take into consideration the fact that these teams will be playing on their own courts. Escaping this week with at least one win would be a tremendous confidence booster heading into the break. Spurs nation prepare yourselves—if the Spurs lose both these games, expect to hear nonstop chatter of potential trades rumors all throughout the All-Star break.
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