Game Info
- Tip Off: 7:30 PM PT
- Television: NBATV (National), CSN-BA+
San Antonio Spurs Team Profile
- Offensive Efficiency: 106.2 (7th in NBA)
- Defensive Efficiency: 98.9 (3rd in NBA)
Leaders
- Points: Tony Parker, 20.4 PPG
- Rebounds: Tim Duncan, 9.9 RPB
- Assists: Tony Parker, 7.6 APG
- Steals: Kawhi Leonard, 1.7 SPG
- Blocks: Tim Duncan, 2.7 BPG
- Field Goal Percentage: Tiago Splitter, 56.1% FG
- 3-Point Field Goal Percentage: Danny Green, 43.6% 3PT FG
Scope the Opposition: 48 Minutes of Hell.
Preview: The San Antonio Spurs (58-22) have the second best record in the Western Conference and seem headed on a collision course with the Golden State Warriors (45-35) in the playoffs.
The Spurs spent a fair share of the 2012-13 season as the top overall seed in the west’s standings but recently stumbled into the second spot. Gregg Popovich’s team has been playing .500 ball in the past 10 games.
Injuries to great players are a big part of the Spurs’ recent slide. Tony Parker has been at times ineffective while Manu Ginobili is still shelved. Consequently, San Antonio’s been relying on reserves to replace starters, and deeper bench guys have filled in for the “new” starters.
And keep in mind, Boris Diaw is currently sidelined for three-to-four weeks after back surgery and Stephen Jackson was recently released from the team.
But tonight’s game offers a different situation.
On November 29 of last year, Popovich sent his starters home to rest despite playing the Miami Heat on national television that night. He felt his guys needed rest.
This is pertinent because the Spurs’ coaching staff had elected to follow the same path. The players will more than likely be in attendance at Oracle Arena, but won’t participate.
Parker will be missing the game with a sore neck, while Tim Duncan will be sitting out with a sore knee. His thunderous dunk over the Los Angeles Lakers frontline last night surely prompted that.
In addition, Kawhi Leonard is also out with a sore knee. The Spurs have essentially decided that rest is far more important than their overall seed.
The Warriors can certainly use a game against a good playoff opponent as a tune up for the postseason, but given their state in the past week, perhaps an undermanned San Antonio team isn’t the worst thing in the world.
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