Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns

San Antonio Spurs vs Phoenix Suns

AT&T Center
Date: 11/23/15, Time: 7:30 PM Spurs Time
TV: FSSW - RADIO: 1200 AM WOAI

After a disappointing end to what was first a hopeful season for the Phoenix Suns, the organization felt some minor but important changes needed to be made, more in personnel and line-ups than in play-style. Replacing Brandon Wright with veteran big man Tyson Chandler was a key step in that plan, but no one expected him to turn the team into a top championship contender.

At certain points during the off-season, Suns' fans were filled with hope that the hottest free agent of the summer, LaMarcus Aldridge, was going to land in Phoenix. I think we all know how that situation played out, and I can't say I'm upset. So, the team brought in Mirza Teletovic and Jon Leuer as back up bigs, and played the hand it was dealt.

There was quite a bit of tension looming when the Suns decided to split up the Morris twins by trading away Marcus Morris. Markieff Morris was so upset about this decision that he went on record saying he had "no future" in Phoenix and essentially demanded a trade. After about a month or so, when no trade came about, and after being fined $10,000 for his statements, Markieff decided he would stay in Phoenix, and that it's where he wanted to be. Whether anyone believed that at the time, he seems to be happy at this point in the season.

The Suns' play-style for the past few years has revolved around two playmaking guards. This system was evident last year with Knight and Goran Dragic, and was even proven to work, but injuries fell upon Phoenix preventing a playoff run. Now, this system is run by the pair of Eric Bledsode and Brandon Knight, who have been producing All-Star like numbers in the first dozen or so games of the season. Despite the high level of play from those two, the team sits right at .500, with a 7-7 record.

Bledsoe and Knight will be the main focus for the Spurs defensively. Containing both of them is key in preventing this ever so capable Suns team of exploding offensively. Thanks to those two, the Suns currently have the fastest pace in the league, compared to the Spurs who sit in the bottom five in that category. Stopping the transition, controlling the pace, and preventing dribble penetration will be crucial in coming out with the win.

Matchup to watch: Tony Parker vs. Blesdoe. Bledsoe is strong, athletic, scoring point guard who has one speed; fast. It will be interesting to see how Tony Parker is able to keep up with him, coming off of a terrific 18 point performance on Saturday in which he looked as healthy as I've seen him look in a while. Tony is scoring an efficient 13 points per game on over 53% shooting, and it's important for San Antonio going forward that he keeps penetrating and opening up the floor for the starting unit.

As of right now, LaMarcus Aldridge is ruled as questionable (ankle) for Monday's game. If he sits, it's likely that David West will take his spot in the starting line-up, as he did against Memphis.

Game prediction: Spurs by 6.

For the Suns fans' perspective, visit Bright Side of the Sun.

As always, Tony must dominate Fisher.