I was invited to do my first game preview for PTR, but apparently I couldn't hack it.
Find out more about how this contest between the Spurs and Raptors should play out ... after the jump!
Last game the Spurs took on Denver, now they get the Dinosaurs. But not Denver the Last Dinosaur.
(You may remember that cartoon...then again you may not. OK, enough of the "DTOUR!")
And while there is always a possibility for a shorthanded Raptors squad to knock off the Spurs as they did two years ago (even with Manu going off), it doesn't appear likely this time around. The Spurs are on quite a roll, and have only lost one game to sub-.500 teams (against the Clippers in a SEGABABA). Plus, Roko Ukic isn't on the Raps anymore.
Stats, broadcast info and more are found below. Note the momentarily FREE League Pass option.
Music provided by Toronto-based hip-hip artist/actor Maestro, with samples from The Guess Who.
via UnidiscMusic
![]() San Antonio Spurs vs Toronto Raptors Where: AT&T Center When: January 19, 7:30 p.m. Spurs Time - Timezone Converter Watch: Fox Sports Southwest By the Numbers
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Lineups
Starters
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Lineups
Starters |
Matchup Analysis
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Point Guard | |
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Shooting Guard |
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Small Forward | |
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Power Forward | ![]() |
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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: Calderon isn't Derek Fisher, but Tony should still be able to get the shots he wants.
SG: As noted above, DeRozan is dangerous, but we're talking about Manu Ginobili, folks.
SF: RJ 2.0 is more than adequate to win this matchup.
PF: This one is interesting. Johnson's length and hops could cause some problems for DeBeast. Both players like to attack the glass.
C: I suppose the 4/5 positions have become fairly interchangeable, but does anyone think of Bargs as a center? Didn't think so. A contrast of styles from two players who can produce for their teams. Timmy gets the edge for all-around contributions, including leadership and D.
Bench
Former Raptor Matt Bonner missed Sunday's game against the Nuggs and he may be scratched from the lineup again. Even if this is the case, the Spurs have the edge over a depleted Raptors team that has become a MASH unit.
Coaching
Intangibles
Knowing what it takes to win is a big advantage that comes from having winning experiences. Sounds simple, because it is. Advantage Spurs.
Mojo
The Raps look to get off their four-game schneid, while the Spurs try to extend their winning streak to seven games. Look for a Lucky 7 at home in the Alamo City.
Prediction
Spurs by double digits.
Key(s) to the Game
Key 1 - Boxing out. Even with Evans on the shelf for so long, Toronto has maintained a No.6 ranking in offensive rebounding %. The Spurs must keep the Dinos off the glass and limit their second opportunities.
Key 2 - Balance/Ball Movement. Double your pleasure here with two keys in one, as team ball movement should lead to some balanced team scoring. With the Raptors defense near the bottom of the league in scoring defense/100 possessions and FG% allowed, the Spurs will get good looks if their passing is crisp. Result: a host of double-figure scorers, rather than just a couple of players filling up the basket.
Other Reading
Spurs
48 Minutes of Hell - Spurs site affiliated with ESPN TrueHoop
OPPONENT
Raptors HQ (SB Nation)
Raptors Republic (TrueHoop)
Following Along
TV
Fox Sports SW
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. AND GUESS WHAT: League Pass will be free during the time of this particular game (I am not sure how this may vary depending on cable/satellite provider, or the area of the world where you live).
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.