I'd forgotten how much fun bubble wrap is, until today when I got a water bottle wrapped in the stuff. I defy anyone to not immediately start popping the bubbles and getting a huge smile on your face. Sometimes the simplest things are the most fun. Maybe the Spurs can start playing basketball again like that tonight. Simple, yet smile producing.
Since there is no way I'm going to top silverandblack's preview, I'm not going to try.
 Houston Rockets @ San Antonio Spurs Where: AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX When: January 22, 2010, 7:30 PM Spurs time Watch: FSNSW (SA), FSNHOU (Hou)
How They Stack Up
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Matchups
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 Tony Parker Needs Rest |
Point Guard Tony is definitely hurting, but he faces almost his mirror image tonight. Both Parker and Brooks use their quickness to score in the paint. Neither is a stout defender. This matchup is pretty even. Advantage: Tied |
 Aaron Brooks Speedy |
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 Manu Ginobili Do-It-All |
Shooting Guard In his role with the Rockets, Ariza has become more of a scorer, but he still has a well-rounded game. However, Manu is the original jack of all trades, who keeps getting better this season. The white box goes to the ARGENTINE! Advantage: Spurs |
 Trevor Ariza Lanky |
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 Richard Jefferson ???? |
Small Forward I can't figure out RJ. He's inconsistent and still hasn't fit into the system. Tonight, he faces the consummate system guy. Battier just goes to work every night and gets the job done. He would be a perfect Spur. Advantage: Rockets |
 Shane Battier Can't believe he's a Dookie |
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 Tim Duncan Another Record |
Power Forward Scola is a heck of a player. He combines physicality and skill. But Luis is going against Timmeh tonight. And Timmeh is coming off a bad game. He should be raring to go. Plus Duncan only needs 1 point to get 20,000 for his career, not that he cares. Advantage: Spurs |
 Luis Scola Would have looked good in the S&B |
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 DeJuan Blair No More Dunks |
Center Talk about two guys with similar games. Both are undersized, but for once, neither will have a height disadvantage tonight. This should be an interesting matchup - the one who can take advantage might be the key to the game. Advantage: Tied |
 Chuck Hayes Not really a center |
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 George Hill Most Improved |
Bench & Role Players Houston has some hard-nosed players - just ask Dirk's arm. If Hill starts again, then the bench play is probably a wash, but for now I'll give the white box to BAM. Advantage: Spurs |
 Carl Landry Doesn't need teeth |
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 Gregg Popovich Bring back the Beard |
CoachPop is Pop, but Adelman's coaching job over the last few seasons has been superb. Even though Houston is down its two "best" players, the team continues to compete at a high level. Advantage: Tied |
 Rick Adelman Coach of the Year |
| images via yahoo.com | ||
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Other Factors
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Intangibles |
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The Spurs are at home, but the Rockets are not a bad road team. Advantage: Tied |
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Mojo |
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The Spurs were pwned by the Jazz. Hopefully, that'll be a kick in the butt they need. However, the Rockets are the prototypical team, who never give up. And it's a division rivalry Advantage: Rockets |
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Winner: |
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| The Spurs should come roaring out of the gate, after that showing against the Jazz. But Houston scraps better than any other NBA team and never lacks in effort.
Prediction: On paper, the Spurs are the better team, but the game is played on the court. Houston in a close one.
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Keys To The Game
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Strength of ScheduleThis is the second game of the homestand, following a day of rest. The Rockets last played on Monday, beating the Bucks at home. I'll never understand the NBA schedule. Last Time They MetThe Spurs and Rockets last played on November 27, winning 92-84 on the road. Timmeh had a monster game, and Manu was still sidelined. We shot 26-34 from the line. A repeat of that stat would be nice. |
Some Other ReadingJazzThe Dream Shake - The masthead reads "Will trade McGrady for food, shelter." They're both crazy and funny - good stuff. Spurs48 Minutes of Hell: Best damn TrueHoop affiliate out there. Always a must visit Spurs site. |
Where to Tune In
TVThis game will be aired by FSNSW in San Antonio and by FSNHOU in Houston. If you have cable or satellite, you'll have to look up your individual channel. And of course, there's always League Pass for the haves. For the have nots, read on. OnlineAs always, NBA League Pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Most Spurs games will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area. 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. In fact, nobody can stop you from googling "atdhe". You can also shoot an email to dmenendez@gmail.com for more assistance. NBA League Pass audio is still free this year, so check it out. RadioIf you're in the San Antonio area and aren't near a TV, tune in to WOAI (1200 AM). |