To say that this season has been unexpected is an understatement (much like the number of blocks Timmeh had against the Knicks). Although most of us thought the Spurs could compete for a top spot in the Western Conference again this year, no one predicted this. 37-6? Holy cow! What a team! And I mean that in every sense of the word. Part of the joy of this season is not knowing who's going to step up in each game - each win is just that much more enjoyable for that unforeseen surprise of who will be the Three Stars at the end of the night. I, for one, have never had more fun following a team's season and am going to continue to enjoy the ride.
Tonight's musical selection:
And now for the preview:
 San Antonio Spurs @ New Orleans Hornets Where: New Orleans Arena When: 1/22/2010, 7:00 Spurs Time - Timezone Converter Watch: CW35
By the Numbers
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Lineups
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Lineups
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Matchup Analysis
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Mojo | |
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Winner |
Starters
PG: Chris Paul has been Chris Paul, although his scoring and FG% are down this year. Tony is having an amazine season, averaging a career high in assists. So even though CFlop gets the spur, Tony has narrowed the gap.
SG: Both Manu and Marco have Italian last names. Otherwise, they're not in the same basketball universe.
SF: Ariza has ankle tendinitis and wasn't supposed to play last night, but did. RJ hasn't been playing great on the offensive end lately; he needs to take advantage of Ariza's ankle and be aggressive.
PF: West is a sweet-shooting PF who rebounds decently. Blair has stopped thinking and just starting ballin'. Welcome back, DeBeast!
C: Okafor is usually good for 10 boards a night. Timmeh flat-out dominated last night.
Bench
We've been missing Matty, and with Cubits hurt, our bench just go really short. The Spurs need to watch out for Marcus Thornton, who's killed us in the past.
Coaching
Monty Williams has done a whale of a job with this team, considering the rumors and roster upheavals at the beginning of the season. Pop gives great interviews on national TV.
Intangibles
This is a SEGABABA for both teams. The Spurs have won 8 in a row - the Hornets, 7. Someone is going to lose their streak tonight.
Mojo
We have Timmeh - they don't.
Prediction
The Bees had an easy game last night - the Spurs didn't. I expect a hard-fought game with the good guys prevailing.
Key(s) to the Game
Key 1 - Start strong on defense. The Spurs' defense was sketchy in the 1st quarter last night. They need to start out playing intense.
Key 2 -Bench. Tony, Timmeh and Blair played big minutes (for them) last night. The rest of the guys need to step up.
Other Reading
Spurs
Spurs Planet (Anyone remember AusTechSpur? ATS? Wane Vore? This is his site. Go check it out. -jrw)
OPPONENT
At The Hive (SB Nation)
Following Along
TV
CW35 - League Pass is on free preview through Jan. 23rd.
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.