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Things get very interesting beginning this week, both for the Spurs and the NBA at large.
The league is abuzz with trade rumors that are bound to shake up the power structure to some degree. While some teams are looking to improve enough to get over the hump, others will be accepting the hands they've been dealt and could look to fold by letting go of a talented player or two.
Buy Spurs vs Raptors Holiday tickets, come early and stay late
In the next installment of the ticket deal that started on opening night, PtR readers will be able to buy a discounted ticket for the game on December 23rd versus the Raptors, get passes to enter the arena early to watch the teams warm up, and shoot a free throw on the court after the game. Plus, you'll receive a special Spurs holiday t-shirt.
At 19-4, San Antonio has to be happy with where it's sitting, even if that means it's not at the top of either the Western Conference standings or in the power rankings of most experts. While concerns of Timmy's production have been replaced by criticism of the Spurs' easy schedule thus far, few fans are doubting this team's ability to contend. The wins against the top-tier teams will likely come, and in the mean time it's good to see the Silver and Black take care of business against everyone else.
This week will be another good test for San Antonio, who's only one of two teams slated to play four games. Three of those will be on the road - including at Golden State and LAC - followed by a home test on December 21 against the Thunder, who beat the Spurs in OKC earlier this month.
Marc Stein from ESPN, (Spurs rank: 4, last week's rank: 6)
Fret, if you wish, about all the Spurs' losses to quality teams: Portland, OKC, Houston and Indy. Or you could focus on the fact that the Spurs, with Tim Duncan starting to awaken, have scored 100+ points in eight straight games and will set a Pop-era record if they do it three more times.
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Marc J. Spears from Yahoo! Sports (Spurs rank: 4, last week's rank: 5)
Four-game win streak will be challenged with road games at Clippers, Phoenix and Golden State - before the Thunder visit.
Jason Patt from SBNation NBA (Spurs rank: 2, last week's rank: 4)
The Spurs may not be on top of the Western Conference, but they earn this spot on the basis of their league-leading average point differential and net rating. San Antonio has won four in a row since a blowout loss to Indiana.
USA Today (Spurs rank: 3, last week's rank: 3)
Speaking of winning the easy ones, they haven't lost to a team outside of the top six here.
John Schuhmann from NBA.com (Spurs rank: 4, last week's rank: 5)
The Spurs have played the easiest schedule in the West, but they certainly know how to take care of business. After wins over the Raptors, Bucks, Wolves and Jazz last week, they're 16-0 against the 19 teams currently at .500 or below, with 11 of the 16 wins coming by 11 points or more. Now, they play four games against teams above .500, highlighted by a chance for revenge against the Thunder.
Matt Moore from CBSSports.com (Spurs rank: 6, last week's rank 6)
Looking at their resume, it's hard to doubt them. It's also hard to find a signature win. Maybe that doesn't matter, but it would be nice to see them flex against a contender.
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