Good day PTR! We're nearing the end of the annual Rodeo Road Trip. I've been a proud member of PTR for just over 2 and a half seasons now, and this is my first ever Game Preview. So please bare with me. Once I get it, I'll get it. I promise! :) (Special thanks to Big50, and JRW for their asistance.)
As the Spurs have gotten off to a 44-9 start, the Washington Wizards have been the opposite. They currently sit at a lowly 14 victories, good for dead last in the Southeast Division. They have yet to win on the road this year. The million dollar question, though, is, even with only 14 wins, is this season still better than last? I mean, we know what a disaster that was -- for Washington, that is. Beloved, long time - and one of the best in the league - owner Abe Pollin passes away, Gilbert Arenas has the locker room incident, gets suspended for the rest of the season, and into lottery land the Wizards remain fall. After the season ends, they land the number 1 pick and select John Wall, essentially turning the team over to him. Early this season they swing a massive blockbuster trade with Orlando, and trade Gil's untradeable contract. Rashard Lewis is in town taking Gil's place. Things can only go up from here. Let's do this.
Besides a bunch of Wizard of Oz clips, and this, the Sabbath clip was the best thing 'Wizard' related I could find on You Tube.
Black Sabbath - The Wizard (Ozzfest 2005) (via riffmajster)
 San Antonio Spurs @ Washington Wizards Where: Verizon Center Watch: Fox Sports
By the Numbers
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Lineups
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Lineups
Starters
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Matchup Analysis
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Winner |
Starters
PG: Parker needs to dominate Fisher. John Wall is having a good rookie season. He's clearly the leader of this team. If it weren't for some scrub on the Clippers, he'd probably have ROY wrapped up by now.
SG: Manu, by a nose. A biiiig nose.
SF: RJ 2.0 is a much better bang for the buck, this season.
PF: Blatche is leading the team with 8.1 boards per game, but Timmy is the GOAT.
C: Also in his second year, JaVale McGee is averaging 9 and 7. But he gets the edge because of his height and 2.4 blocks per game.
Bench
I've always been a fan of Captain Kirk Hinrich, since his Bulls days. When rookie Derrick Rose came along and took the starting spot he held for the past 5 seasons, he handled it like a man and didn't gripe. But, after Kirk and Al Thornton it doesn't look too promising down the pine. I think George and Gary give their subs a work out.
Coaching
Pop > Flip Saunders
Intangibles
Quinn and Novak on the floor together?
Mojo
The trip is nearing an end...
Prediction
Tim, Tony, and Manu sit the 4th. Quinn in. Spurs get the 'W.'
Key(s) to the Game
Key 1 - Defense.
Key 2 - Offensive Rebounding!
Key 3 - If the jumpers are not falling, don't be afraid to drive it, for goodness sakes!
Other Reading
Spurs
48 Minutes of Hell - What more needs to be said?
Spurs Planet - Our old friend Wayne Vore is back.
Wizards
www.bulletsforever.com - SB Nation
www.truthaboutit.net - True Hoop
Following Along
TV
Fox Sports
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.