Spurs are 6-1 and looking a little out of sorts. I guess if you're going to be out of sorts a 6-1 record to go along with that is nice. In fact, I wouldn't mind the Spurs looking out of sorts all season if they can keep this wining percentage up. Much like any sport winning is the most important thing, just ask the Dallas Cowboys. So as long as this team can keep managing to win, I'm good with that.
The one Spur not out of sorts at all is Richard Jefferson. Showing you his crazy 4 fingered hand in this photo. Creepy. Rage committed himself to getting better and has done so, at least to this point. I'm hoping he inspires the rest of the noobs to get 100% on board. If our rookies and new additions can show the same commitment that RJ did than this team will be able to make a deep run into the post season (let's just hope they figure it out sooner).
In honor of Rage's good play:
The schedule gets considerably tougher for the Spurs after this game. It would be good to see a nice easy win that gives Tim, Dyess, Manu and possibly even Parker some much needed rest. All of the Big 3 are averaging 30+ minutes a game and Dice is around 25. That number needs to get lower. The rest of the schedule this month is brutal. Winning the games they should will make life much easier later in the season for this team.
A guy that needs to pick it up: George Hill.
Where is the George Hill that we saw against Dallas last year in the playoffs? Cubits needs to regain whatever confidence he has lost and pick it up. This team needs a solid leader for the second unit and it needs to be him. We love you Jorge, but it's time to get back to your solid play.
A guy who is back from injury: Matt Bonner
That's right. Tonight marks the return of The Galloping Gossamer. May the FSM bestow him with great shooting, and have mercy on all who oppose him. Then again, there's not exactly a lot of frontcourt minutes up for grabs at this point.
![]() San Antonio Spurs vs Philadelphia 76ers Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio When: November 13, 2010, 7:30 p.m. Spurs Time Watch: KRRT 35 By the Numbers
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Lineups
Starters |
Lineups
Starters
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Matchup Analysis
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Point Guard | |
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Small Forward | |
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Power Forward | |
Center | ||
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Bench | |
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Coach | |
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Intangibles | |
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Mojo | |
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Winner |
Starters
PG: Frenchie McWonderbutt has been playing like his hair's on fire. He's been scoring and setting guys up. Jrue Holiday is a young PG for the 76ers and is very quick, but I don't see him being able to keep up with our beloved Frenchman
SG: Manu has been very solid lately, not to mention clutch, but he's not playing at his top level. Of course he could be playing with one arm and he'd be better than rookie Evan Turner. Igoudala is supposedly the 3rd string SG now days for the 76ers (this according to ESPN's depth chart), but he's still logging 35 minutes a game so I'm not buying it. He will be a tough guard on the defensive end. I'd like to see if Gary Neal can handle a tough defensive assignment.
SF: Rage has been playing so well I'm starting to doubt if he can keep it going for the whole season. Nocioni is a decent SF and should test RJ's willingness and focus on defense. Nocioni can get hot in a hurry, let's hope that RJ is there to answer.
PF: Good ol' Elton Brand. This guy has got to be one of the most overrated and over-payed players in the NBA. Every time he leaves a team they get better. He does have a solid post game. Timmeh should own him on the offensive side of the ball. I'm hoping to see Duncan's minutes under 30 by a wide margin tonight.
C: Neither team gets a spur here. Blair has been very rough to start the season. His defense was a liability against the Clippers. The one thing I'd like to see Blair work on is, once the ball is in the air, BOX OUT. He's got the jumping and all that down, but get your body on your man and make sure you secure the rebound. Also, learn to layup. I have no thoughts on Hawes. I imagine we'll see a lot of Thaddeus Young here.
Bench
Anderson is hurt and out for 8 weeks. It's Gary Neal's chance to shine. Of course that assumes he'll see playing time. Hill had a pretty solid game against the Clippers and will look to keep that momentum going. The 76ers have Evan Turner and Young coming off their bench. It should be interesting to see how the Spurs second unit handles the new rotation.
Coaching
Greg Popovich or Doug Collins. Considering I know how Collins thinks since he spent several years trying to make my ears bleed, I'm going to go ahead and give Pop the edge here. I'm hoping Pop gives us more Splitter and Duncan together, that's a very nice defensive lineup.
Intangibles
Spurs are winning despite not playing Spurs like defense and the offense is still there. The 76ers, despite the Doug Collins factor, are not that good of a team and will be playing in a SEGABABA.
Mojo
Raging against the machine with the Bald Spot.
Prediction
Spurs win, but not as easily as they should.
Other Reading
Spurs
OPPONENT
Liberty Ballers - SB Nations 76er blog
Following Along
TV
KRRT 35 - In San Antonio
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.
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.