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Here’s an amazing fact: The San Antonio Spurs have never lost an NBA game played inside a bubble, and this afternoon, they face the team they’re chasing for the final playoff spot, the Memphis Grizzlies. But with the unusual format of the Orlando tournament, they don’t need to catch the Grizzlies, they just need to pull ahead of the Trail Blazers and stay ahead of the Pelicans, Kings, and Suns in order to reach the 9th place play-in scenario against Memphis. All of this is looking more plausible by the day, and it’s looking like the Silver and Black might somehow keep their playoff streak alive against all odds, by playing an unconventional lineup in the most unconventional of settings.
De’Aaron Fox torched the Spurs in the game against the Kings, but Derrick White’s defensive prowess limited Buddy Hield and DeMar DeRozan picked his spots on offense and helped the Spurs pull out a big win against Sacramento, pulling them within a half game of the 9th place play-in spot. The good guys could be still in the hunt if they don’t win tonight, but a win against their key rival for the final spot would be a key step forward for the young team, and it will be a great opportunity for Keldon Johnson and Jakob Poeltl to prove they can hold up against playoff competition.
It’s a road game today, which means very little in the bubble, except that the PA announcer and court floor will be set up similarly to how it would be in the FedEx Center. The virtual crowd seems to be one of the few things that doesn’t seem to work that great in the bubble, so who knows who they’ll be cheering for.
It won’t be easy, since the Grizzlies have Ja Morant, who is in a race with Zion Williamson for Rookie of the Year, and lots of young talent.
San Antonio Spurs at Memphis Grizzlies
August 2, 2020 | 3:00 PM CT
Streaming: NBA League Pass
TV: FOX SPORTS SOUTHEAST - MEMPHIS, FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST - SAN ANTONIO
RADIO: TSN2, ESPN 92.9FM/680AM, WOAI/KXTN
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