[KokoTheMonkey]

December 23rd, 2004 - 7:00 PM (Central Time)


Minnesota Timberwolves (15-9) @ San Antonio Spurs (20-6)

Last Game: Minnesota - Loss, 97-107
Last Game: San Antonio - Loss, 87-93

Projected Starting Lineups:











Reserves:









The rivalry has only lost a little bit of luster, mostly because they are in separate divisions now. However, both were early season favorites to match up in the WCF, and even now, the road through the title goes through at least one of these teams. Both teams are coming off road losses, so one of these two teams will have a 2-game losing streak going into their next game. Minnesota is 8-6 on the road this year, and San Antonio is 11-1 at home, so the odds are in favor of SA going into this game. However, as a San Antonio fan, I don't like those odds. SA has played some very uninspired basketball, and to me, Minnesota has more motivation to win this game. As far as the breakdown of the matchups, Cassell and Parker really can't guard each other, and since both play big roles on their respective teams, this matchup will be the key factor, outside of the matchup of the two powerhouse PF's. Minnesota will look to pass the ball around and use their offensive depth to hit jumpers. Minnesota will need a couple of other guys besides Garnett to step up, particularly Cassell. For SA, they also need to pass the ball around well, but penetration is more important to them because they don't have as good of shooters as Minny does. SA needs to take advantage of the Parker/Cassell matchup on the fastbreak, but knowing 'ol predictable Popovich, he will want a half-court game. I'm predicting that Minnesota will win a close one, and if not, SA wins big. SA is a really tough team at home, so I don't see Minnesota romping them, but I do see them toughing it out and pulling a victory. SA is playing way too soft right now, and if they decide to get tough and play with some guts, they have a shot at beating Minny by 10+ points. On another note, not that you really care, but I'll be going to the game. It will be a packed house because of the rivalry, and the intensity should be really high because of that and because it's on prime-time TV.


Thoughts?

[Flanders]

Wolves will lose.

Spurs will bounce back and win at home.

[moss_is_1]

i think the wolves will win but itll be very tough as the spurs are very good at home but they played a tough game last night and lost and the wolves had a break so itll be a good game...i hope

[sheefo13]

wolves up by 8 at half time. Kandi has 9 points 10 boards and 2 blks so far with the start. Troy hudson has 11 points. Kg has 10 points. Wally has 8. Wolves are movin the ball greatly. Hopefully we can keep it up and pull out a huge win. FEELS LIKE PLAYOFF BASKETBALL ALREADY!

[KokoTheMonkey]

Minnesota's hot shooting didn't last in the second half, and the Spurs pulled out a 14-point victory. Wally was basically the only one scoring in the 2nd half, because Kandi slowed down as well as Hudson. Garnett had a near triple double (again), but didn't take enough initiative late in the game.

[sheefo13]

very disappointed in the wolves...........