I know I kinda wanted to make consecutive badass previews for these three games, but the exasperating loss, coupled with that first-ever epic PtR four game threads left me out of breath and, well, out of time. Like most of you, I, too, feel bad about that last game.
But this game against the Cleveland Cavaliers does not offer any breathers whatsoever. LeBron and his loyal subjects are carrying an impressive eight-game winning streak, and are close to locking up home court advantage throughout the playoffs. I miss the days when our Spurs were the one riding a similar wave of wins.
Without further ado, a simple preview and undying optimism - because it's free to dream and I'm delusional - after the jump.
Here is your customary Cleveland demoralizing/irritating wallpaper of the day:
And here's a Dave Matthews song for all the Debbie Downers out there:
**Disclaimer: I STILL think I am messing up the game times, so if you have a problem with it, just put your suggestions in the comments below.
 Cleveland Cavaliers @ San Antonio Spurs Where: AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX When: March 26, 2010; 7:30 PM Spurs time Watch: FSN Southwest
How They Stack Up
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Matchups
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 George Hill Padawan |
Point Guard Mo Williams is going to give George Hill fits using screens to free himself up on offense, but after going up against top dogs like Kobe and Artest the other night and knowing he can hang with them, I think the kid is looking to bounce back. Advantage: Spurs |
 Mo Williams Gunner |
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 Manu Ginobili Jedi Master |
Shooting Guard Anthony Parker has been a great pick-up for the Cavs and he's been playing his role as sort of a Bruce Bowen-type to near perfection. But Manu has been doing it all so he gets the WVATS white box. Advantage: Spurs |
 Anthony Parker My Sister Is Better Than Yours |
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 Richard Jefferson Hollow Man |
Small Forward RJ stinks. LeBron is a beast. End of story. Advantage: Cavaliers |
 LeBron James The King with No Ring |
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 Tim Duncan Obi Wan on the Decline |
Power Forward I know that Timmeh has been doing the other important things (rebounding, passing) even if he's being abused on both ends. However, until he shows a pulse on offense, I'd have to underrate for awhile. Advantage: Cavaliers |
 Antawn Jamison Wizardly Cavalier |
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 Antonio McDyess Washed Up |
Center Dice and our big men face yet another athletic bunch of bigs who seem to have great motor, as the great Jay Bilas calls it. I think we're in trouble. Advantage: Cavaliers |
 J.J. Hickson Young 'Un |
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 Roger Mason Jr. Where's My Shot? |
Bench & Role Players Pop really needs to hire a P.I. or something to look for Mase's shot. Without Manu, our bench is hardly capable of holding or building a lead on their own. The addition of Jamison and the possibility of Ilgauskas returning, not to mention Shaq who is still sidelined by injury, really solidifies the Cavs' reserve corps. Advantage: Cavalliers |
 Anderson Varejao Sideshow Bob |
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 Gregg Popovich Misses Tony |
CoachIt always feels good to come to work and have LeBron as an employee. Advantage: Cavaliers |
 Mike Brown I Luv LeBron |
| images via yahoo.com | ||
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Other Factors
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Intangibles |
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Cleveland is on a roll with its 8-game win streak right now, while we wilted in our first game of a brutal schedule. Advantage: Cavaliers |
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Mojo |
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Despite collective efforts by PtR old timers to revive it, the mojo is and will continue to remain dead. Advantage: None |
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Winner: |
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| Spurs win. Because I really need one right now. And because false hope, while leading to eventual disappointment, is still better than utter despair. |
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Keys To The Game
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Strength of ScheduleLife is hard. We go on the road to Boston after this one. On the bright side, we got New Jersey after that one. Woohoo! Cleveland will have a three-game homestand after this one, featuring the cupcake Kings and playoff-caliber games versus the surging Bucks and legit Hawks. Animals are really awesome, by the way. Last Time They MetCleveland had no LeBron, no Shaq and no Jamison down the stretch and we still lost, a heartbreaking one at that - 95-97. |
Some Other ReadingCavaliersFear The Sword - The SBNation blog for the Cavs. It looks clean and nice. Spurs48 Minutes of Hell: The best TrueHoop team blog is now even better. A must read.
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Where to Tune In
TVThis game will NOT be aired on national TV. 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 poundingtherockmail@yahoo.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). |