Game #42 Preview: Spurs vs Raptors

by Gino20 on Jan 19, 2011 5:00 AM CST in Game Previews

I was invited to do my first game preview for PTR, but apparently I couldn't hack it.

Find out more about how this contest between the Spurs and Raptors should play out ... after the jump!

Last game the Spurs took on Denver, now they get the Dinosaurs. But not Denver the Last Dinosaur.

(You may remember that cartoon...then again you may not. OK, enough of the "DTOUR!")

I feel bad for the Raptors. I really do. Not only have they had to deal with most of their top players over the years (Damon Stoudamire, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, Chris Bosh) leaving town relatively early in their careers, but this season the only breaks they've gotten seem to be the ones that send them to the doctor.

Reggie Evans has been out of action since November. He had been gobbling up rebounds at a rate of 12.1 per game in only 27.3 mpg, but he only lasted for 15 games. Now the Raps look to guys like Amir Johnson, Andrea Bargnani and Joey Dorsey to fill that void.

The injuries certainly do not stop with Evans. Leandro Barbosa recently went down and is expected to be out for 1-2 weeks. Peja can't get on the court, Sonny Weems has been injured and Linas Kleiza may still be out after missing the team's last game. Ditto for Jerryd Bayless, who has missed the last two games. Add it all up, and it may mean big minutes for the likes of Sundiata Gaines (!), he of the game-winning buzzer beater from a year ago.

While they employ a seven-footer who scores nearly two more ppg than any Spurs player, a poing guard who does a poor man's Nash impersonation with his shooting accuracy and assists numbers, plus an explosive wing player in DeMar DeRozan, the Raptors will be fighting an uphill battle for most of the night.

And while there is always a possibility for a shorthanded Raptors squad to knock off the Spurs as they did two years ago (even with Manu going off), it doesn't appear likely this time around. The Spurs are on quite a roll, and have only lost one game to sub-.500 teams (against the Clippers in a SEGABABA). Plus, Roko Ukic isn't on the Raps anymore.

Stats, broadcast info and more are found below. Note the momentarily FREE League Pass option.

Music provided by Toronto-based hip-hip artist/actor Maestro, with samples from The Guess Who.

via UnidiscMusic

San Antonio Spurs vs Toronto Raptors
Where: AT&T Center
When: January 19, 7:30 p.m. Spurs Time - Timezone Converter
Watch: Fox Sports SouthwestBonus: My spies say there is a brief FREE League Pass that will include this game

By the Numbers

Data sources:
hoopdata.com | basketball-reference.com | John Hollinger's team stats

Category	Offense (rank)	Defense (rank)
Efficiency Rating	109.6 (1st)	100.3 (T6th)
Rebound %	25.5 (17th)	75.3 (7th)
Field Goal %	.470 (5th)	.451 (14th)
3-Point %	.399 (2nd)	.392 (T28th)
Free Throw %	.777 (10th)	.737 (3rd)
Turnover %	12.84 (4th)	13.56 (16th)
Assist %	60.53 (9th)	53.97 (3rd)

Category	Offense (rank)	Defense (rank)
Efficiency Rating	104.0 (16th)	109.0 (28th)
Rebound %	28.8 (6th)	73.2 (T19th)
Field Goal %	.471 (4th)	.484 (T29th)
3-Point %	.324 (T29th)	.373 (T24th)
Free Throw %	.734 (25th)	.776 (25th)
Turnover %	14.41 (25th)	13.80 (11th)
Assist %	56.66 (20th)	57.49 (14th)

Record	Wins	Losses
Overall	35	6
Conference	24	3
Division	6	2
Home	22	2
Away	13	4

Position	Conference	Division
Record	1st	1st

Lineups

Starters
PG: Tony Parker
SG: Manu Ginobili
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: DeJuan Blair
C: Tim Duncan

Key Bench Players
George Hill
Gary Neal
Antonio McDyess
Tiago Splitter
Matt Bonner (hurting)

Record	Wins	Losses
Overall	13	28
Conference	9	18
Division	4	6
Home	8	12
Away	5	16

Position	Conference	Division
Record	12th	4th

Lineups

Starters
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: DeMar DeRozan
SF: Julian Wright
PF: Amir Johnson
C: Andrea Bargnani

Key Bench Players
Ed Davis
Sundiata Gaines
Linas Kleiza (hurting)
Jerryd Bayless (hurting)
Leandro Barbosa (out)
Reggie Evans (out)

Matchup Analysis


	Point Guard
	Shooting Guard
	Small Forward
	Power Forward
	Center
	Bench
	Coach
	Intangibles
	Mojo
	Winner

Starters

PG: Calderon isn't Derek Fisher, but Tony should still be able to get the shots he wants.

SG: As noted above, DeRozan is dangerous, but we're talking about Manu Ginobili, folks.

SF: RJ 2.0 is more than adequate to win this matchup.

PF: This one is interesting. Johnson's length and hops could cause some problems for DeBeast. Both players like to attack the glass.

C: I suppose the 4/5 positions have become fairly interchangeable, but does anyone think of Bargs as a center? Didn't think so. A contrast of styles from two players who can produce for their teams. Timmy gets the edge for all-around contributions, including leadership and D.

Bench

Former Raptor Matt Bonner missed Sunday's game against the Nuggs and he may be scratched from the lineup again. Even if this is the case, the Spurs have the edge over a depleted Raptors team that has become a MASH unit.

Coaching

Get Off My Lawn!

Intangibles

Knowing what it takes to win is a big advantage that comes from having winning experiences. Sounds simple, because it is. Advantage Spurs.

Mojo

The Raps look to get off their four-game schneid, while the Spurs try to extend their winning streak to seven games. Look for a Lucky 7 at home in the Alamo City.

Prediction

Spurs by double digits.

Key(s) to the Game

Key 1 - Boxing out. Even with Evans on the shelf for so long, Toronto has maintained a No.6 ranking in offensive rebounding %. The Spurs must keep the Dinos off the glass and limit their second opportunities.

Key 2 - Balance/Ball Movement. Double your pleasure here with two keys in one, as team ball movement should lead to some balanced team scoring. With the Raptors defense near the bottom of the league in scoring defense/100 possessions and FG% allowed, the Spurs will get good looks if their passing is crisp. Result: a host of double-figure scorers, rather than just a couple of players filling up the basket.

Following Along

Fox Sports SW

Radio

WOAI 1200AM; Audio League Pass[streaming]

Online

As always, NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area. AND GUESS WHAT: League Pass will be free during the time of this particular game (I am not sure how this may vary depending on cable/satellite provider, or the area of the world where you live).

Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. You can also shoot an email to poundingtherockmail@yahoo.com(IMPORTANT: Please include your PtR username in the email for reference) for further assistance.

Poll

Who wins this contest?

Boot Accessories

97 votes

Prehistoric Creatures

9 votes

Maestro

46 votes

152 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 56 comments | 1 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Ok, I don’t really have anything useful or witteh to say… buuuuuuuuuut… First!

"...he waved that towel and patted those butts like a pro..." - gunnin' gervin, in a full of poetry description of Brazilian dazzling beauty, Tiago Splitter.

by Argento on Jan 19, 2011 5:12 AM CST reply actions

You weren’t lying.

I did a lot of soul searching. I didn't find anything.

by Hipuks on Jan 19, 2011 6:58 AM CST up reply actions

At least he’s honest.

"He's the ultimate zone buster." – Bill Land on Gary Neal

"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on DeJuan Blair

by Manu ex Machina on Jan 19, 2011 9:29 AM CST up reply actions

hey! pfffft…

"...he waved that towel and patted those butts like a pro..." - gunnin' gervin, in a full of poetry description of Brazilian dazzling beauty, Tiago Splitter.

by Argento on Jan 19, 2011 6:31 PM CST up reply actions

gol

Tiago Splitter > Matt Bonner

by Manuwar on Jan 19, 2011 3:52 PM CST up reply actions

Get Off My Lawn!

by 707kid on Jan 19, 2011 7:41 AM CST reply actions

errr… I find it hard to believe that the Raptors suck that much. I mean, twelfth? In their division?

"White-orange, orange, white-green, blue, white-blue, green, white-brown, brown"

by magnuskrauss on Jan 19, 2011 8:49 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

GOL
Good catch. It’s been corrected.

by Gino20 on Jan 19, 2011 9:05 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs

It happens, especially after a 4-game sNide.

by richbruiser on Jan 19, 2011 9:35 AM CST up reply actions

This. Although I am not sure if it is correct with “four game” added to it.

by Gino20 on Jan 19, 2011 10:55 AM CST up reply actions

Perhaps THIS instead? =]

Yes, Hipuks. Someday your troll will come. - Lauri

by J.R. Wilco on Jan 19, 2011 3:11 PM CST up reply actions

also, Go Spurs! :D

"White-orange, orange, white-green, blue, white-blue, green, white-brown, brown"

by magnuskrauss on Jan 19, 2011 8:49 AM CST reply actions

/hands magnus a crimping tool and a bunch of RJ-45 male connectors/

"...he waved that towel and patted those butts like a pro..." - gunnin' gervin, in a full of poetry description of Brazilian dazzling beauty, Tiago Splitter.

by Argento on Jan 19, 2011 6:38 PM CST up reply actions

Go SPURS Go!
More Tiago time please!

"All is well." -Rancho, 3 Idiots(2009)

by Ayatollah on Jan 19, 2011 9:25 AM CST reply actions

Here’s a pre-game “highlight” reel that’s sure to get some Raptor blood flowing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uihaNhipoak

"He's the ultimate zone buster." – Bill Land on Gary Neal

"I like the fact that he’s a man." – Hubie Brown on DeJuan Blair

by Manu ex Machina on Jan 19, 2011 9:27 AM CST reply actions

Hq! Maybe we’ll see a Splitter/Wright dunkfailfest:) GSG!!!!!

Honestly. You kids today, with your hippity-hop music and your Twiddle. - Lauri

by p2cat on Jan 19, 2011 10:41 AM CST up reply actions

Nice work Gino! Let’s hope the Spurs can avoid the tarp and continue the win streak.

by Big50 on Jan 19, 2011 10:31 AM CST reply actions

yes, avoid the tarp.

by Cedarpark on Jan 19, 2011 11:30 AM CST up reply actions

spurs by 18…

by rank on Jan 19, 2011 10:38 AM CST reply actions

Fuck it, Spurs by 35

"He was just a young skinny guy who looked like a winner. We didn’t know he was going to be as good as he is."
—Popovich on Manu Ginobili

by spursfan87 on Jan 19, 2011 11:06 AM CST reply actions 4 recs

I knew there was a reason I visited this page

"SMH!!! ITS THAT BAD IMMA A BEAST LOL!!!!" - DeJuan45

by greyberger on Jan 19, 2011 2:27 PM CST up reply actions

Getting to the AT&T Center as early as I can today. Going to be focusing on Larry Owens. Hopefully the Spurs don’t play down to their opponents today and we can get a good look at guy.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad." - Popovich

by Aaron "Hirschof" Preine on Jan 19, 2011 11:06 AM CST reply actions

Matt Bonner will not play tonight against the Raptors.

Biggest coach Pop/Tiago Splitter homer on the internet™

by Josh Guyer (completely deck) on Jan 19, 2011 11:20 AM CST reply actions

I miss that sandwich lover.

by Cedarpark on Jan 19, 2011 11:29 AM CST up reply actions

Good news…or is that just a prophecy?

by Big50 on Jan 19, 2011 2:07 PM CST up reply actions

Bad news… last game we played against the raptors, Bonner didn’t play, Theo Ratliff started and we lost.

And in the Raptor game before that Matt had 18 points and 4 rebounds. Maybe he plays well against his former team.

"SMH!!! ITS THAT BAD IMMA A BEAST LOL!!!!" - DeJuan45

by greyberger on Jan 19, 2011 2:31 PM CST up reply actions

If the only nagging injuries we have to deal with involve Matt Bonner, we might be alright.

by NinjaRabbi on Jan 19, 2011 2:42 PM CST up reply actions

Heh.

Something tells me that if this was the playoffs, he’d be playing.

Yes, Hipuks. Someday your troll will come. - Lauri

by J.R. Wilco on Jan 19, 2011 3:13 PM CST up reply actions

yes and hopefully not fading away in the playoffs as Bonner has in seasons past

"I had an excellent game. It was just an excellent game. We are an excellent team. I had an excellent game." DeJuan Blair 12/29/10 SA 97 - LA 82

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html

by Joe deLarios on Jan 19, 2011 3:50 PM CST up reply actions

He will. He needs so much room to get off his hip-shot and teams defenses tighten up in the playoffs. It’s no coincidence he sucks like poop in the playoffs.

Tiago Splitter > Matt Bonner

by Manuwar on Jan 19, 2011 3:51 PM CST up reply actions

Wanna bet? His release is quicker this year. And he’s driving to good effect. I see things working out better for him this year.

Yes, Hipuks. Someday your troll will come. - Lauri

by J.R. Wilco on Jan 19, 2011 9:11 PM CST up reply actions

Yep

Tiago Splitter > Matt Bonner

by Manuwar on Jan 19, 2011 3:50 PM CST up reply actions

Good. I got a fever and the only cure is more Splitter.

Tiago Splitter > Matt Bonner

by Manuwar on Jan 19, 2011 3:49 PM CST up reply actions

Weird fever

Yes, Hipuks. Someday your troll will come. - Lauri

by J.R. Wilco on Jan 19, 2011 9:12 PM CST up reply actions

In boxing and in life,there are only three things one has to remember. Hands up, chin down and keep going forward. - Mills Lane

by Chin0 on Jan 19, 2011 4:21 PM CST up reply actions

Great Preview! I am jealous with the apparent ease you had at writing your preview!

"I had an excellent game. It was just an excellent game. We are an excellent team. I had an excellent game." DeJuan Blair 12/29/10 SA 97 - LA 82

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilmoar01.html

by Joe deLarios on Jan 19, 2011 12:03 PM CST reply actions

Nice work on the preview, Gino20. And suddenly I miss Roko Ukic. That guy killed us.

"A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It’s what happens while you wait for moments that will never come." - Lester Freamon, The Wire

by silverandblack_davis on Jan 19, 2011 2:24 PM CST reply actions

Let me add my kudos here, Gino. Well done. I enjoyed it.

Yes, Hipuks. Someday your troll will come. - Lauri

by J.R. Wilco on Jan 19, 2011 3:13 PM CST up reply actions

I think Ukic is playing with some Spurs guys over in Europe(Partizan comes to mind, but I’m not sure).

Free Tiago Splitter!

by Tim C. on Jan 19, 2011 5:42 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe we can see Solomon Alabi against Splitter.

by indiancharlie on Jan 19, 2011 2:38 PM CST reply actions

We need a little Wyclef in one of the game previews

Tiago Splitter > Matt Bonner

by Manuwar on Jan 19, 2011 3:49 PM CST reply actions

someone please call 9-1-1 tell them I just been shot down (I’m losin’ blood ya’ll)

Tiago Splitter > Matt Bonner

by Manuwar on Jan 19, 2011 4:00 PM CST up reply actions

Yes, Hipuks. Someday your troll will come. - Lauri

by J.R. Wilco on Jan 19, 2011 9:51 PM CST up reply actions

Let’s see if the power rankings jinx bites us in the ass again this week!

by SpursDinasty on Jan 19, 2011 6:21 PM CST reply actions

Go Spur Go!

(",)

by day_late_friend on Jan 19, 2011 6:27 PM CST reply actions

Anyone know how to change your screen name? I cant figure it out.

"We suck on 'D. Both individually and team-wise, we suck. We're pretty consistent that way. I don't know if I have an answer to that. If I did, we wouldn't suck quite so bad."
Coach Pop

by SpursDinasty on Jan 19, 2011 6:37 PM CST reply actions

I think you have to send the SBN admins (not PtR) an email request.

"A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It’s what happens while you wait for moments that will never come." - Lester Freamon, The Wire

by silverandblack_davis on Jan 19, 2011 6:40 PM CST up reply actions

Shoot me an email and I can help you out.

Yes, Hipuks. Someday your troll will come. - Lauri

by J.R. Wilco on Jan 19, 2011 9:51 PM CST up reply actions

Aww man… you’re not really going to enjoy this a little?

"A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It’s what happens while you wait for moments that will never come." - Lester Freamon, The Wire

by silverandblack_davis on Jan 19, 2011 11:46 PM CST up reply actions

Typo on a comment: or reply: funny and fair game.

Typo on a username: constant hassle and frustration – I just want to help him out.

Yes, Hipuks. Someday your troll will come. - Lauri

by J.R. Wilco on Jan 20, 2011 11:11 AM CST up reply actions

I think I just read Lauri slugging it out with the message board masses on Dwyer’s latest awards post. Awesome.

"A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It’s what happens while you wait for moments that will never come." - Lester Freamon, The Wire

by silverandblack_davis on Jan 19, 2011 6:42 PM CST reply actions

Yes! I just read those too. What a hack. The only one he got right was Griffin (and my 4 year old son could have told you he is gonna get ROY)

"I asked them if it wasn't too much trouble, if I wasn't being too pushy, if they could execute what we were trying to do. And if it didn't make them too angry, if they also wanted to play some defense on the other end, that would be great."
Coach Pop

by SpursDinasty on Jan 19, 2011 6:45 PM CST up reply actions

thanks, i just realized i spelled Dynasty wrong. im retarded.

by SpursDinasty on Jan 19, 2011 6:43 PM CST reply actions

Hah. That’s what I was thinking :)

"A life, Jimmy, you know what that is? It’s what happens while you wait for moments that will never come." - Lester Freamon, The Wire

by silverandblack_davis on Jan 19, 2011 6:48 PM CST up reply actions

Heh, you should keep it—watch the uniqueness of your screen name morph into some sort of weird PtR meme. These things tend to take on a life of their own……….

"You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas." -Davy Crockett
"Give me an army of West Point graduates, and I'll win a battle. Give me a handful of Texas Aggies, and I'll win a war." -Gen. George S. Patton

by Trey Felder on Jan 19, 2011 6:50 PM CST up reply actions

I think I will, besides it sounds like to much trouble to change it anyways. I mean come on, they want me to send an EMAIL. Jeez!! Like i got that kinda free time on my hands.

by SpursDinasty on Jan 19, 2011 6:58 PM CST up reply actions