Starting lineups:
SA (9-2, 4-2 away)
PG Tony Parker
SG Manu Ginobili
SF Bruce Bowen
PF Tim Duncan
C Rasho Nesterovic
GS (7-5, 4-2 home)
PG Baron Davis
SG Jason Richardson
SF Mike Dunleavy
PF Troy Murphy
C Adonal Foyle
Game time is 9:30 central.
GS finished strong last year and started this season as a media favorite, with the usual "If Baron stays healthy" caveat. He's only missed one game so far this season which, by his standards, is good. However, he's shooting only 33% from the field and still insists on hoisting 3s (6.9 per game) despite having a poor career percentage of 32.7. For reference, Parker's career 3P% is 31.4.
I find this fascination with Baron Davis odd. Why does Baron get a pass while Marbury gets skewered at every opportunity? They both have ridiculous contracts and little to no success in the postseason. Stephon is a more efficient scorer (1.22 PPFGA vs. 1.11), shoots a higher percentage (43.5% to 40.7) and doles out more assists (8.2 to 6.9). Baron does have slight advantages in REB, STL and TOs but does that counteract the above combined with the fact he's often injured? I don't think so.
Chris Mullin continued his streak of bad signings when he extended Dunleavy's contract to the tune of 5 years and $44 million. That's basically exactly what Tayshaun Prince got. You know what? I don't care if Chris Mullin acquired Baron Davis for a bag pork rinds, he's still a horrible GM.
Injury note: Lanky Frenchman Mickael Pietrus is out for four weeks and will not play tonight for GS.
Tonight's line: SA -4
Tonight's total: 184.5
My pick: SA
Matty da Blade's plays: SA | Over
The Spurs are 5-6 ATS. I am 2-9. Da Blade is 7-3-1 ATS | 1-2 TOT.
This is an open thread. Commenters will be temporarily immune to the effects of tryptophan. Have a happy Thanksgiving everybody.