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10,840 Posts
March 9th, 2005 8:00 PM (Central Time)
San Antonio Spurs (50-15) @ Detroit Pistons (41-23)
Previous Meetings -
Spurs 80, Pistons 77
Projected Starting Lineups:
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Reserves:
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Great matchup between the Kings of Defense. To bad I have to miss the game. This will be a big test for us, because although we have a winning streak going, I don't feel we've played at our best. Yeah, Manu has been out, but even considering he's been out we still haven't played top-tier basketball as of late. Detroit will be without head coach Larry Brown, but I don't really see there being a huge difference without him. Detroit wants a half-court game where they can use their balanced scoring on the offensive end and swamp you on the defensive end. Playing in their stadium, there's no doubt they are going to be ready to play for the Spurs. I'm not sure about Manu's status for the game as of now, but I don't think it matters. I think we lose this game. I think it will be a battle that goes down to the wire, but I see the pace going in Detroit's favor, and I see our offense struggling in the halfcourt.
Koko's Key's to the Game: (New Segment)
- Tony Parker. His penetration is going to be crucial in this game, because he's going to be relied on to free up some shots for our shooters. With Wallace & Wallace inside, he's not going to be getting as many free layups as he has against other teams. Plus, he's going to have to control the pace, taking advantage on the break and making the best decisions in the halfcourt
- The bench. Our bench has finally come alive again, mostly Horry and Brown. Both guys need to have big games, and having good performances out of Nazr and Beno would be a huge plus. The main thing Horry and Brown need to provide is outside shooting. Detroit isn't going to be giving up easy baskets.
- Shooting. I've mentioned this "key" in the above statements, but it deserves it's own listing. The jumpers have to fall if we want to win. Our offense has been relying big time on jumpers falling, so we're going to have to knock down contested jumpers. Calling you Mr. Barry. If we can prove that our perimeter players can knock down jumpers, Duncan will have more room to operate and we'll be able to spread the floor and penetrate.
Should be a good game. I wouldn't be surprised one bit if we win, but even if Manu plays in this game, I think it will take some time for him to adjust.
Prediction: Pistons 91, Spurs 89
San Antonio Spurs (50-15) @ Detroit Pistons (41-23)
Previous Meetings -
Spurs 80, Pistons 77
Projected Starting Lineups:
Reserves:
Great matchup between the Kings of Defense. To bad I have to miss the game. This will be a big test for us, because although we have a winning streak going, I don't feel we've played at our best. Yeah, Manu has been out, but even considering he's been out we still haven't played top-tier basketball as of late. Detroit will be without head coach Larry Brown, but I don't really see there being a huge difference without him. Detroit wants a half-court game where they can use their balanced scoring on the offensive end and swamp you on the defensive end. Playing in their stadium, there's no doubt they are going to be ready to play for the Spurs. I'm not sure about Manu's status for the game as of now, but I don't think it matters. I think we lose this game. I think it will be a battle that goes down to the wire, but I see the pace going in Detroit's favor, and I see our offense struggling in the halfcourt.
Koko's Key's to the Game: (New Segment)
- Tony Parker. His penetration is going to be crucial in this game, because he's going to be relied on to free up some shots for our shooters. With Wallace & Wallace inside, he's not going to be getting as many free layups as he has against other teams. Plus, he's going to have to control the pace, taking advantage on the break and making the best decisions in the halfcourt
- The bench. Our bench has finally come alive again, mostly Horry and Brown. Both guys need to have big games, and having good performances out of Nazr and Beno would be a huge plus. The main thing Horry and Brown need to provide is outside shooting. Detroit isn't going to be giving up easy baskets.
- Shooting. I've mentioned this "key" in the above statements, but it deserves it's own listing. The jumpers have to fall if we want to win. Our offense has been relying big time on jumpers falling, so we're going to have to knock down contested jumpers. Calling you Mr. Barry. If we can prove that our perimeter players can knock down jumpers, Duncan will have more room to operate and we'll be able to spread the floor and penetrate.
Should be a good game. I wouldn't be surprised one bit if we win, but even if Manu plays in this game, I think it will take some time for him to adjust.
Prediction: Pistons 91, Spurs 89
