Might be a good visual representation for the Spurs' crazy late season schedule.
Four games to go. I want to say it eases up a bit today, but it's the Spurs' third game in four nights and the start of another back -to-back, so no. This is not going to be easy.
A THIGAFONI-worthy preview, next.
Maybe this crazy schedule's also getting to me or I'm just lazy, I don't know. I got nothing but only off-topic videos and photos that might be of interest.
Pillows (Good Feeling) from Chris Crutchfield on Vimeo.
An empty school is cool. Sort of.
Muffin Madness.
And finally, a Grizzly Bear-related photo:
 Memphis Grizzlies @ San Antonio Spurs Where: AT&T Center - San Antonio, TX When: April 9, 2010; 7:30 PM Spurs time Watch: FSN Southwest; KENS HD
How They Stack Up
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Matchups
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 Garrett Temple Junior |
There might be some indications that Tony Parker will assume the starting role, given that he's had 2 games under his belt, or George Hill can return from the starting lineup after returning to San Antonio to recuperate. For now, Garrett Temple has played solidly in the short time he's been a starter, so he'll continue to get the starter's nod here. Mike Conley has been a solid PG all season long, so he gets the benefit of the white box, especially if our two lead guards aren't up to speed yet. Advantage: Grizzlies |
 Mike Conley Former Buckeye |
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 Manu Ginobili $40-million Man |
Shooting Guard Forget about the new contract. Manu Ginobili won't allow himself to play two subpar games in a row. Advantage: Spurs |
 O.J. Mayo Grocery List |
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 Richard Jefferson Still Richer Than Manu |
Small Forward RAGE continues to play and shoot well, with some brain farts here and there but Rudy is still better. Advantage: Grizzlies |
 Rudy Gay Less of a Ballhog |
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 Tim Duncan Timmay |
Power Forward Zach has had an All-Star season. It's a shame though that Memphis won't make it to the playoffs party. He should be able to give Tim some bruises and aches tonight. Advantage: Tied |
 Zach Randolph Former Jailblazer |
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 Antonio McDyess SAM |
Center Dice didn't play much versus Phoenix but he was really active on the boards. Maybe it's gone a little bit unnoticed, but the veteran's play has picked up during the homestretch. On the other end, no Gasol for the rest of the season probably means the E-N-D for the Grizz. And yes, we want a Thabeetdown!!!
Advantage: Spurs |
 Hasheem Thabeet Tanzanian Devil |
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 DeJuan Blair Blairness Monster |
Bench & Role Players We haven't seen the Thabeetdown we've been expecting this season. Oh DeJuaaaan... we're still waiting. Advantage: Spurs |
 Sam Young Blair Buddy |
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 Gregg Popovich Wino |
CoachLionel Hollins has done wonders with this Grizzlies team, and it's sad that in the East, there's a team under .500 that will make the playoffs. Major props for the coach. Pop's still better though. Advantage: Spurs |
 Lionel Hollins Tamed the Z-Beast |
| images via yahoo.com | ||
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Other Factors
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Intangibles |
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Grizzlies have lost 3 in a row. They've been slumping. The surging Spurs just had a blip in Phoenix, but this is a THIGAFONI. Still a dangerous time. Advantage: Tied |
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Mojo |
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... Advantage: None |
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Winner: |
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| I think being at home helps the Spurs overcome the dreaded David Stern late-season THIGAFONI special. Spurs win. | ||
Keys To The Game
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Strength of ScheduleI heart you, schedule makers. The Spurs visit the Nuggets tomorrow to cap off its last FOGAFINI of the season before getting a day off and wrap up its last home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Hey, cool. This game is also a THIGAFONI for the Grizz as they cap off their own FOGAFINI tomorrow at home against the 76ers. Last Time They MetThe Spurs eked out a 102-92 win in Memphis to go up 2-1 in the season series. The BAM combined for a whopping 66 points as RJ and Manu led the way with 18 and 17 points, respectively. |
Some Other ReadingGrizzliesStraight Outta Vancouver - Here you'll find the SBN site for the Grizz, where djturtleface does everything himself. That guy must have a death wish to do so much. It also saddens me that most of its game threads have less than 10 comments. You might want to say hi. Just be friendly, mmkay? Spurs48 Minutes of Hell: The best TrueHoop team blog is now even better, after adding two new writers. Congrats to Jesse and Andrew, who are already doing good work. |
Where to Tune In
TVThis game will be aired on Fox Sports SW in San Antonio, and maybe on TV in Memphis. 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). |