Spurs vs. Celtics Previews

[duncan228]

Edit: This game is on NBA TV. I don't know why it's not listed in the preview.

Boston (51-18) at San Antonio (45-22) Preview (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/preview?gid=2009032024&prov=ap)
Game info: 8:30 pm EDT Fri Mar 20, 2009
TV: CSNE, FSSW
By Mike Lipka

Both of the last two NBA champions are hoping to make a run at another title this spring. But first, the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs need to get healthy.

It’s unclear which of the clubs’ banged-up stars will be in the lineup when they meet Friday night in San Antonio, but both the Celtics and Spurs are in need of a victory as they try to hold onto second place in their respective conferences.

San Antonio’s Manu Ginobili and Boston’s Kevin Garnett are the biggest names to miss considerable time recently for the two teams, with Ginobili out for the last 16 games with an ankle problem and Garnett missing the last 13 with a knee strain.

But they’re hardly alone on the injured list. The Celtics were also without Ray Allen, Leon Powe, Brian Scalabrine and Tony Allen for Wednesday night’s 112-108 overtime win over Miami, and Tim Duncan rested his knees for the Spurs during their 93-86 victory over Minnesota on Tuesday night.

While Duncan should return Friday and Ginobili is likely to remain out, it’s unclear whether the Celtics will have Garnett or Ray Allen, who is dealing with a hyperextended elbow.

Paul Pierce picked up the slack for his absent All-Star teammates against the Dwyane Wade-less Heat, scoring 36 points - including 21 in the fourth quarter and overtime—as the Celtics avoided a third straight loss and clinched the Atlantic Division.

Rajon Rondo, who missed two games last week with a sprained ankle, added 27 points and 10 assists, while Glen Davis returned from a four-game absence due to a similar injury.

“We know that we are injured,” Pierce said, “but just to get back on the winning mind-frame is big for us.”

The Celtics (51-18) are 7-6 since Garnett’s injury, fading from contention for the top seed in the Eastern Conference and struggling to hold off Orlando for the No. 2 spot, with a half-game separating the teams.

Without the reigning NBA defensive player of the year, the Celtics have at times struggled to stop teams, giving up a season-high 127 points in Tuesday night’s loss at Chicago. Garnett had originally been expected to return Friday, but Saturday night’s game at Memphis could be a more likely target.

“We miss (Garnett’s) leadership out on the floor, his verbal leadership,” coach Doc Rivers said. “He’s the one guy that holds everybody accountable defensively.”

The Spurs (45-22) miss Ginobili’s 16.1 points per game, and without the NBA’s sixth man of the year, their bench managed just 13 points in an ugly 78-76 loss at Oklahoma City on Monday night.

Coach Gregg Popovich held Duncan out Tuesday to avoid having the two-time league MVP play back-to-back games down the stretch in a season during which he has struggled with knee problems.

“He doesn’t love it, but it’s important for him to be fresh and healthy at the end of the season,” Popovich said.

Led by 24 points from Tony Parker, San Antonio still rebounded against the Timberwolves, maintaining a 1 1/2-game lead on Houston atop the Southwest Division. The Rockets are atop a crowded pack of West teams within a few games of the Spurs as they jockey for postseason positioning.

“Right now it’s a tight race in the West and every game is needed,” Spurs guard George Hill said.

The Celtics swept San Antonio in last season’s series, but the Spurs need only a home victory to return the favor. They won 105-99 in Boston on Feb. 8.

Notes

Celtics:

F Kevin Garnett and G Ray Allen did not play for the Celtics. ... Boston outscored the Miami Heat, 34-21, in the first quarter but was outscored, 33-15, in the second. ... G-F Paul Pierce collected 36 points, 11 rebounds and five assists for the Celtics, who needed overtime to down the shorthanded Heat.

Spurs:

F Tim Duncan sat out Tuesday's loss with soreness in his knees. F Kurt Thomas started in his place and finished with 10 points, 10 boards and six assists. ... The Spurs turned the ball over just four times.

Team Stat Leaders

Points

Paul Pierce Bos 20.6
Tony Parker SA 21.4

Rebounds

Kevin Garnett Bos 8.8
Tim Duncan SA 10.7

Assists

Rajon Rondo Bos 8.5
Tony Parker SA 6.7

Team Comparison
Team Record Standings PF PA Road/Home Streak L10

Boston 51-18 1st Atlantic / 2nd East 101.4 93.4 Road 23-12 Won 1 5-5

San Antonio 45-22 1st Southwest / 2nd West 97.0 93.0 Home 24-9 Won 1 6-4

[xtremesteven33]

NBA Finlas Preview....

[Thomas82]

NBA Finals Preview....

That could very well be the case.

[VI_Massive]

NBA Finlas Preview....

would be interesting -- kind of like playing a mirror image of ourselves.

older team, great defense, championship pedigree, etc.

[duncan228]

...kind of like playing a mirror image of ourselves.

That was part of what made the Pistons series so great.

[Spursfan092120]

:hat
I'll be there with bells on..and my Spurs gear on..Bruce Bowen authentic jersey, black Spurs hat..I'll be screaming my ass off.

[Agloco]

Anyone know if KG or Allen are playing? It's gonna be a downer if the scrubs get a lot of PT in this one. Not really a good barometer for us. Just get a win.

[duncan228]

Anyone know if KG or Allen are playing?

The latest from the Boston Globe.

Garnett, Allen taking flight? (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2009/03/garnett_allen_t.html)
Marc J. Spears

The shorthanded Celtics could be getting some crucial reinforcements as soon as tomorrow.

Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen are on the team's plane to Texas for tomorrow night's game against the Spurs. While it remains uncertain whether either will play -- Garnett has been sidelined since Feb. 19 with strained right knee, while Allen suffered a hyperextended elbow Tuesday against the Bulls and missed last night's win over Miami -- it is an encouraging sign that both players are making the trip.

Garnett has not accompanied the Celtics on a road trip since suffering his injury. Coach Doc Rivers has said he will err on the side of caution regarding Garnett's return date, but the All-Star forward has had solid workouts this week, and if he has a strong shootaround tomorrow, he could return to action tomorrow night.

Because they are coming off back-to-back games, the Celtics will not practice today. They also have a game Saturday night at Memphis following tomorrow's matchup with the Spurs, so they may not see the practice court for a few more days.

[tomtom]

Anyone know if KG or Allen are playing? It's gonna be a downer if the scrubs get a lot of PT in this one. Not really a good barometer for us. Just get a win.

Yeah, a wins a win still and Houston's right behind ya. I really don't want the Blazers facing the Spurs in the first round :lol

[Muser]

I have a good feeling about this game.


On a completely unrelated note, just been watching the Memphis/Denver game, if you shoot a 3 and it's an airball, but it goes to your teammate for a lay in does it count as a assist? Seems as it didn't touch anything.

[VI_Massive]

On a completely unrelated note, just been watching the Memphis/Denver game, if you shoot a 3 and it's an airball, but it goes to your teammate for a lay in does it count as a assist? Seems as it didn't touch anything.

Only for Chris Paul at home.

[Chieflion]

Just when we thought we were worse off with injuries, we see another total complete mirror image of the Spurs with more injuries.

[tp2021]

I'll be at this game, and the Houston game on Sunday. I've been to 2 Spurs games before, in 2 different seasons, and each time Manu was hurt. Hopefully he'll be good to make an appearance for one of them.

[crc21209]

Finals preview indeed...It would be sweet to knock off the defending champions in the Finals ala Detroit in 05'.

[Brazil]

Only for Chris Paul at home.
:lol

[Spursmania]

KG and Ray Allen flew in today to San Antonio. Seems kind of silly to fly them in just to watch. Maybe they will both play or at least one of them.

[duncan228]

Celtics limp into San Antonio (http://www.milforddailynews.com/sports/pros_and_colleges/x211834333/Celtics-limp-into-San-Antonio)
By Lenny Megliola

Playing the San Antonio Spurs in their gym is never a team's idea of a good time. An opponent has to bring it's A-game to even have a chance.

A-Game? Celtics coach Doc Rivers just wants enough able bodies so his team doesn't have to forfeit tonight's game. No Kevin Garnett? No Ray Allen? No Leon Powe? No Brian Scalabrine? No Tony Allen? Hello Bill Walker and Gabe Pruitt, and be prepared to put in a few minutes, J.R. Giddens.

Rivers has conceded the best overall Eastern Conference record to Cleveland. Now it's a question of holding off Orlando for the No. 2 spot, with 13 games remaining. It does no good for the Celtics to cry in their beer over injuries. Last year they stayed healthy and did great things. They had to know this year would be more challenging, whether they stayed healthy or not.

They face the Spurs coming off a satisfying overtime win over the Heat at the Garden. They did it, mostly, on the back of Paul Pierce, who poured in 16 fourth-quarter points and started the OT by nailing a three in the 112-108 win. He finished with 36 points.

"Pierce really made it tough," said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra, who tried a number of guys on the Boston captain. "He was scoring on every one of his matchups. Before we could ever come over to help, he was shooting the pull-up jump shot. One dribble, over the top."

"(Pierce) is a killer. He does what he needs to do at the end of the game in order to win the game," said new teammate but long-time Pierce observer Stephon Marbury.

"It's unbelieveable, when he's hitting shots, crazy shots," said Kendrick Perkins.

Pierce conceded "we needed a win any way we can get it." And they couldn't have gotten it without him taking over. "It's big for us, especially when you're going into San Antonio."

It's not that the Spurs are unbeatable at the AT&T Center. They've lost nine home games. The Lakers long ago wrapped up the best record in the west bauble, while the Spurs are in a similar situation as the Celtics. While Boston strives to hold the two-spot with only Orlando contesting, the Spurs have three teams - Houston, Denver and Portland - chasing them, with New Orleans and Utah not out of the picture.

So this is a big one for the Spurs and Celtics.

Without the defense-minded Garnett, the Celtics were bound to give up more points, but at times it's gone too far. "We're not getting stops. We're giving up 30, 37-point quarters. That doesn't happen when he's in there," said Rivers.

There's no time for the Celtics to catch their breath after tonight's game. They play at Memphis tomorrow. How many players will Doc have then?

"We want to try and get through this stretch and hold on to that second spot, if we can," he said.

[spursfan09]

Would love to see these two in the finals. :lobt2: wouldn't be a sure bet for us thats for sure.

[duncan228]

Rajon Rondo, Tony Parker missing link (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view/2009_03_20_Rajon_Rondo__Tony_Parker_missing_link/)
By Mark Murphy

SAN ANTONIO - Not long ago, as he held court with several members of the European media during All-Star weekend, Tony Parker was asked about Celtics guard Rajon Rondo.

The two have been mentioned together before - Parker as the veteran point guard who is living proof that a little man can routinely finish at the rim, and Rondo a great example of someone who appears to be following in the Spurs guard’s footsteps.

But Parker cooled at mention of the comparison.

“He does a good job playing with three All-Stars,” he said of Rondo, whom he will face for the second time this season here tonight. “He tries to do the best he can to run the team.”

Parker’s mood darkened, however, when the subject of shooting was brought up.

Though one of the best point guards to come into the NBA in the last decade, Parker was not known for his jump shot - at least not in his formative years.

And Parker certainly knows about this same weakness in Rondo’s game - an outside shot so inconsistent that opponents still dare the Celtics point guard to shoot.

“Oh no,” said Parker, shaking his head. “I think I was a better shooter than him when I started.”

Curiously enough, Rondo was just as cool about his perceived link to Parker. Five days before that press conference, Parker had seven points and seven assists during San Antonio’s 105-99 win in Boston.

Rondo, who scored only six points but also had 16 assists, probably wasn’t in the mood to hear about his opponent, judging from his lukewarm response to the same question.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I guess I do see some similarities.”

The most obvious is shooting percentage.

Thanks to his 27-point, 10-assist performance during Wednesday night’s win against Miami, Rondo is now shooting .506 from the floor this season.

Only five guards in the entire league are shooting better than 50 percent from the field, with 40 or more games as the standard.

Parker routinely has been the league leader in this category. Like Rondo, he has built his high percentage - .491 this season and .488 in his career - on layups.

Rondo may be the more athletic and flashier of the two, but both little men have displayed a remarkable consistency for finishing in the paint.

Parker now makes defenses respect him from the outside as well by hitting the open jumper.

“They both have a great proclivity for finishing at the rim and they both are known for working on their jumpers all the time,” San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said. “I mean, you can’t have everything. If they were both 40 or 50 percent shooters from 3, then they would both be impossible to guard.”

Celtics notes

The NBA decided to split the baby yesterday after looking into Tuesday night’s encounter between Doc Rivers and referee Bill Kennedy.

Rivers was ejected with his second technical foul and later, at length claimed that he had been baited and goaded by Kennedy. The NBA indication yesterday that it agreed with Rivers, and fined Kennedy an undisclosed amount of money. But the league also refused to rescind the technical and fined the Celtics coach $25,000. . . .

As expected, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen flew with the team to San Antonio but are doubtful to play.

[Austin_Toros]

Too many injuries for this game- both teams have major players out.
But maybe the game will be evenly matched??

[VI_Massive]

I guess we at ST aren't the only ones who get contentious when comparing Parker and Rondo......

[duncan228]

Friday: Celtics (51-18) at Spurs (45-22) (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Friday_Celtics_51-18_at_Spurs_45-22.html)
Express-News

Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV: FSNSW
Radio: WOAI-AM 1200, KCOR-AM 1350

STARTING LINEUPS
POS - SPURS - CELTICS

PG - 9 Tony Parker (6-2, 8th yr) - 9 Rajon Rondo (6-1, 3rd yr)
Ankle injury robbing Rondo of his greatest asset — his speed.

SG - 8 Roger Mason Jr. (6-5, 5th yr) - 20 Ray Allen (6-5, 13th yr)
Allen missed victory at Heat with elbow injury, 50-50 to play tonight.

SF - 4 Michael Finley (6-7, 14th yr) - 34 Paul Pierce (6-7, 11th yr)
Only two names ahead of Pierce on Celtics' all-time scoring list: Havlicek and Bird.

PF - 21 Tim Duncan (6-11, 12th yr) - 11 Kevin Garnett (6-11, 14th yr)
It will be a race from the training room for these two hobbled All-Stars.

C - 15 Matt Bonner (6-10, 5th yr) - 43 Kendrick Perkins (6-10, 6th yr)
Bonner went bombs away on hometown team in February meeting (23 points).

SPURS RESERVES

12 Bruce Bowen, F, 6-7, 13th yr
90 Drew Gooden, F/C, 6-10, 8th yr
3 George Hill, G, 6-2, 1st yr
7 Fabricio Oberto, C, 6-10, 4th yr
40 Kurt Thomas, C/F, 6-9, 14th yr
5 Ime Udoka, G/F, 6-5, 5th yr
11 Jacque Vaughn, G, 6-1, 12th yr

CELTICS RESERVES

4 J.R. Giddens, G, 6-5, 1st yr
11 Glen Davis, F, 6-9, 2nd yr
50 Eddie House, G, 6-1, 9th yr
7 Mikki Moore, C, 7-0, 3rd yr
0 Leon Powe, F, 6-8, 3rd yr
13 Gabe Pruitt, G, 6-4, 3rd yr
8 Stephon Marbury, G, 6-2, 13th yr

COACHES

Spurs: Gregg Popovich
Celtics: Doc Rivers

INJURIES

Spurs: Ian Mahinmi (right ankle surgery) and Manu Ginobili (stress reaction, right ankle) are out.

Celtics: Tony Allen (left thumb), Brian Scalabrine (post-concussion syndrome), Leon Powe (strained right knee) are out. Kevin Garnett (strained right knee) is questionable. Ray Allen (right elbow sprain) is day-to-day.

PROJECTED INACTIVE PLAYERS

Spurs: Mahinmi, Ginobili, Malik Hairston

Celtics: Scalabrine, Tony Allen, Bill Walker

NOTABLE

Both teams are injury plagued entering tonight's game between the past two NBA champions. The Celtics win the battle of "most players on the injured list," though it is possible they will get Garnett back from a knee injury tonight. ... Duncan is expected to play for Spurs after taking one game off to rest a sore knee. ... Spurs broke a three-game losing streak vs. Celtics with 105-99 win Feb. 8 in Boston. ... Celtics clinched Atlantic Division with Wednesday's victory at Miami.

- Jeff McDonald

[Chieflion]

You sure Mikki Moore is a third year vet?

[duncan228]

You sure Mikki Moore is a third year vet?

Who does the fact checking? Anyone?

[Thomas82]

You sure Mikki Moore is a third year vet?

They also had KG listed as #11.

[Manufan909]

If Dallas, Houston, NO, Denver, Sac, Boston, NJ, and Utah all lose tomo, I will be a very happy man.

[Manufan909]

I guess we at ST aren't the only ones who get contentious when comparing Parker and Rondo......

TP hit the nail on the hed with the 3 Allstars comment. I'd like to see Rondo carry the Celtics for weeks at a time, lie TP has done for a huge part of this season. And how anyone could think Rondo is flashier is beyond me.:ihit

[Rogue]

NBA Finlas Preview....
then the NBA finals will be preferable to the senile people who always spend their spare time listening to classical music or watching classical movies.

[shelshor]

Referee Assignments
Fri. Mar. 20
Boston @ San Antonio: M. Callahan, K. Fehr, P. Fraher

[Spursfan092120]

Who does the fact checking? Anyone?
Mikki Moore's been in the league for 10 years.

[Spursfan092120]

Referee Assignments
Fri. Mar. 20
Boston @ San Antonio: M. Callahan, K. Fehr, P. Fraher
Good..no Crawford.

[PDXSpursFan]

The battle of the hurt dogs :lol

[duncan228]

Boston Celtics (51-18) at San Antonio Spurs (45-22) (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=nba/scores/live/preview.aspx?id=11039)

(Sports Network) - The past two NBA title-holders will square off in an important interconference clash this evening at the AT&T Center, where the San Antonio Spurs shoot for a season sweep of the reigning world champion Boston Celtics.

The 2006-07 champion Spurs topped the Celtics in Boston by a 105-99 score last month, ending a streak of three straight losses in this series. The Celtics have won in each of their last two trips to San Antonio, including a 93-91 decision last season.

Both teams enter tonight's marquee matchup with some of their star players unavailable. Boston's Kevin Garnett has missed his team's last 13 games due to a strained right knee, while Spurs standout Manu Ginobli has not played since February 11 because of a stress reaction in his right ankle.

In addition, Celtics sharp-shooter Ray Allen sat out Wednesday's 112-108 overtime win over Miami with a hyperextended right elbow and is questionable to return tonight. The Spurs did not have Tim Duncan in the lineup for Tuesday's 93-86 victory over Minnesota due to sore knees, although the two- time MVP is expected to play tonight.

The Celtics have gone just 7-6 without Garnett, who poured in 26 points and grabbed 17 rebounds in February's loss to the Spurs. That so-so stretch has dropped Boston 4 1/2 games behind Cleveland for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, and the club leads Orlando by just a half-game for the second seed.

Boston does come in on a high note, though, after prevailing over the Heat in a hard-fought affair on Wednesday. Paul Pierce scored 21 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter and overtime in the win, which sewed up the Atlantic Division title for Boston.

Rajon Rondo also delivered a big performance for the Celtics, who had lost two straight and four of their last four outings prior to the game. The young guard compiled 27 points and 10 assists to help offset Allen's absence.

Boston owns a strong 23-12 road record for the season but has lost its last three tests as the visitor. The team will play four of its next five games away from home, including a crucial showdown at Orlando on Wednesday.

The Spurs rebounded from Monday's two-point loss at also-ran Oklahoma City with their St. Patrick's Day triumph over the Timberwolves, the club's fifth win in its last seven games. The Spurs enter tonight's play 1 1/2 games up on second-place Houston in the Southwest Division race.

Tony Parker led a makeshift Spurs lineup with 24 points in Tuesday's triumph, while Roger Mason added 15 points and Kurt Thomas posted 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The win came in the opener of a four-game homestand for San Antonio, which will host the rival Rockets on Sunday, and improved the team's season mark to 24-9 at the AT&T Center.

[duncan228]

Mikki Moore's been in the league for 10 years.

That's why I asked if anyone did fact checking for McDonald. He makes more easily checked mistakes than I've ever seen from a beat writer.

[Morg1411]

This'll be a good one. Their meeting back in February was one of the more enjoyable National TV games to watch all season long.

[duncan228]

WEEI’s Celtics color analyst Cedric Maxwell told Comcast SportsNet’s Mike Felger that he expects KG to play in SA tonight.

[duncan228]

Another Crack at the Spurs (http://celticshub.com/2009/03/20/another-crack-at-the-spurs/)
By Zach Lowe

Celtics: 51-18 (23-12 on the road); Off. Eff. 110.8 (5th); Def. Eff. (102.0–tied, 1st)

Spurs: 45-22 (24-9 at home); Off. Eff. 108.1 (16th); Def. Eff. (103.6–4th)

The C’s begin their next-to-last back-to-back of the season tonight against San Antonio, and it sounds like they will be without both Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett for tonight’s game. With Tim Duncan expected to play after sitting out the Spurs last game (it was a second game of a b-to-b), the Spurs have a big advantage. (Note: Our TH Network brothers at the Spurs blog 48 Minutes of Hell say they’re fine with Gregg Popovich resting Duncan again tonight). More importantly, the C’s are starting a stretch of five games that includes four road games against the Spurs, Grizz, Magic and Hawks. After that, they finish with six of eight at home, mostly against mediocre teams. Still, a few road losses here, and the C’s could find themselves two or three games behind Orlando in the “race” for the second seed. Play well over the next five, and the C’s can push for the second seed back in Boston.

You know what you’re getting with the Spurs offensively: Duncan in the post, Parker in the lane and a ton of three-pointers. The threes killed the C’s in the first meeting, a 105-99 win in which San Antonio made 8-of-21 from deep, including Roger Mason, Jr.’s back-breaker in the last minute. Matt Bonner made three of his six three-point attempts, and the Spurs overall are the second-best three-point shooting team in the league in terms of percentage. You’ve got to close out if you want to beat them.

The C’s did everything else well in that game. They shot 51 percent from the floor, turned it over just 11 times and held Tony Parker to seven points on 3-of-12 shooting. The Spurs won because of their long-range shooting and a plus 10 advantage in free throw attempts. Don’t expect them to duplicate that tonight–the Spurs are dead last in the league in the ratio of free throw attempts to field goal attempts.

Perk will likely have his hands full tonight defending Duncan, a tough job he normally shares with KG. I shudder at the thought of Mikki Moore trying to guard Duncan while Perk’s on the bench. Moore may foul out in less than 10 minutes if he has to spend time on Timmy.

The other thing I always watch when these teams play is how the Spurs handle Paul Pierce. With Bruce Bowen’s playing time down from about 30 minute per game to 20 this season, the Spurs have to find other players to match up with star shooting guards/small forwards like Pierce. Expect to see Mason and even George Hill take a crack at the Truth tonight; Hill spent some time guarding Kobe Bryant last week, and our the Spurs experts at 48 Minutes of Hell say Hill’s defense has come along nicely this season.

Other things I’m looking at tonight, in bullet form after the jump.

• Any positive sign from Marbury. He finally–finally!–scored a hoop in the lane on Wednesday, thought it was an over the shoulder prayer that had no business going in. I still see no lift in his legs and no ability to finish strong in the paint. It will be interesting to see who Marbury guards on defense if he starts again today. He obviously can’t guard Parker, so that leaves a likely match-up against a bigger guard such as Mason.

• Mikki Moore has to do a better job at avoiding silly fouls, as Red’s Army pointed out this week. With the C’s so thin, there is just no excuse for fouling out in so few minutes.

• The Rondo-Parker match-up. Should be a joy to watch, and, according to this fun Boston Herald story, Parker doesn’t seem to enjoy any comparisons between he and Rajon–especially in their jump-shooting abilities when they started in the NBA.

[duncan228]

The pace must be pushed against the Spurs (http://www.celticscircuit.com/2009/03/pace-must-be-pushed-against-spurs.html)

Whether Kevin Garnett is in uniform tonight or not, the Celtics will certainly have their hands full against a Spurs team which will be playing with with two of their own "Big Three".

While Tim Duncan sat against the Minnesota Timberwolves for "precautionary reasons", he is expected in uniform tonight. Word is not so good for Manu Ginobili, who, according to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express, practiced yesterday but won't be seeing an NBA floor anytime soon while he recovers from a stress reaction in his right ankle. Ginobili has missed the past 16 games for San Antonio.

If one title contender can empathize with the Celtics' injury woes, it certainly has to be the Spurs, who have each missed Tony Parker, Ginobili and Duncan for separate portions of the season. With both Duncan and Ginobili out on Tuesday, Tony Parker put in 24 points and added six assists, leading the Spurs over the sagging Wolves.

With Duncan back in the lineup, the Spurs will certainly look much more like the team that has allowed only 93.04 points per game this season. Even if Garnett were to return, he would be thrown into the fire against one of the best offensive and defensive players in the league. While KG loves his challenges, would it really be wise for Rivers to throw him at such a player in his first night back? Would it be smarter to wait for tomorrow against Memphis when he'll see Marc Gasol and Hakim Warrick?

The Spurs truly are defensive geniuses in the half court. Quite simply, they have this whole winning formula down pat. Gregg Popovich and Tim Duncan are easily the best player-coach duo in the NBA and essentially seem to know exactly what the other is thinking at all times. Duncan anchors a defense that Popovich holds to the highest standards, much the way Rivers expects a healthy Garnett to swat away opposing guards as the last line of defense.

Is there such a formula to break San Antonio's defensive schemes? Well, with adequate one-on-one defenders like Bruce Bowen, Duncan and Roger Mason Jr. patrolling the floor, the Celtics best option has to be to get in the open court and run up and down non-stop. If they don't allow the Spurs to set up that vaunted defense, they'll have a much easier time scoring.

Rajon Rondo has to push the pace against Tony Parker, and while Parker is one point guard in the league who has the speed to stay with Rondo, Rondo still has the ability to break down Parker in the open court. Assuming Garnett and Ray Allen (hyper extended right elbow) aren't playing, it looks like the C's will once more have ten healthy bodies to work with and what better way to get some of those healthier, athletic young guys, that Doc will inevitably have to use, some experience?

A line up of Rondo, Stephon Marbury, Paul Pierce, Mikki Moore, Bill Walker and Glen Davis could easily beat a lineup of Parker, Mason, Duncan, Fabricio Oberto and Michael Finley in the open court. Duncan has been held out of select games this season to rest his knees which are starting to give him some trouble. If the Celtics run early and often and wear Duncan down, perhaps Popovich will be forced to sit him.

If the NBA were to design its own team to play in the half court, it would be the Spurs. The Celtics absolutely have to set the pace and then push that pace all night long if they want to escape San Antonio with a win. Their defense is obviously hurting right now without Garnett, so don't expect anyone, not even Davis, Moore or Kendrick Perkins, to be able to completely shut down Duncan. Parker will get his fair share of drives to the hoop and Mason is bombs away from three-point nation, along with Matt Bonner, Michael Finley and Bruce Bowen. The Spurs average 97.01 points per game, an impressive feat considering their suffocating defensive numbers as well.

Oh yes, the Celtics will certainly have their hands full. Their only real legitimate chance? RUN! RUN! RUN!

Stay tuned.

[duncan228]

One of the blogs had to run this, Boston just never got over it.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/temp/lead173.jpg

[tp2021]

One of the blogs had to run this, Boston just never got over it.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/temp/lead173.jpg

Jesus Christ he looks so ugly in that uniform.

[xtremesteven33]

One of the blogs had to run this, Boston just never got over it.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x282/duncan228/temp/lead173.jpg



:td

[duncan228]

The article that went with the cover. May, 2007.

Remaking the Celtics' history (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?p=2004888)
Dan Graf

We all know what happened after the Celtics missed on the chance to draft Tim Duncan, but what would have happened if the pingpong balls had bounced Boston's way? Here are misty watercolor memories of the way things never were.

1996-97

History: The Celtics secure the most pingpong balls in the draft lottery -- and the best chance of selecting Wake Forest center Tim Duncan -- by finishing the regular season with a 15-67 record. Coming off two straight appearances in the NCAA title game with Kentucky, Rick Pitino leaves the Wildcats to become president and coach of the Celtics. Shortly after, San Antonio, which had the second-best chance to gain the top pick, wins the lottery. Boston ends up at No. 3 and No. 6. Pitino tries to trade up for the top pick five minutes after the lottery ends but is rebuffed. San Antonio drafts Duncan with the No. 1 pick. The Celtics take point guard Chauncey Billups at No. 3 and Kentucky swingman Ron Mercer at No. 6.

Revisionist history: For the second straight year, the worst team gets the pick. San Antonio, desperate to pair Duncan with injured center David Robinson, lands at No. 2. "We're not trading the pick," Pitino says. "Celtics fans can plan on Tim Duncan's number going to the rafters alongside the championship banners he's going to put up there." Pitino drafts Duncan No. 1 and -- believing he can take a risk on a high school player because Duncan is such a sure thing -- grabs Tracy McGrady over Mercer at No. 6. Pitino: "I think our fans are really going to like this kid McGrady. He can be the next Penny Hardaway."

1997-98

History: The Celtics trade Billups 51 games into his rookie season. Point guard Kenny Anderson is the best player Boston gets in the seven-player deal, and the team goes 36-46 in Pitino's first season. Surprisingly, Kansas star Paul Pierce slips to the Celtics at the No. 10 spot in the draft.

Revisionist history: With Duncan, McGrady and second-year sensation Antoine Walker in the frontcourt, the Celtics are the envy of every team in the league. They finish 44-38 and are swept by Michael Jordan's Bulls in the first round of the playoffs. Duncan is the rookie of the year, Walker leads the team in scoring, and McGrady solidifies himself as a star in the making. Sensing that a point guard will elevate his team to the championship level, Pitino flirts with taking Bryce Drew in the first round but eventually trades Dana Barros and the draft pick for Steve Nash, who is stuck behind Jason Kidd in Phoenix. The Mavericks wanted Nash badly but had only a lower pick and Bubba Wells and Martin Muursepp to offer.

1998-99

History: A lockout cuts 32 games off Pitino's second season and damages his chances to jump-start what now is a full-fledged youth movement behind Walker, Mercer and Pierce. Pitino says he never would have taken the job if he had known Duncan wouldn't be a Celtic and trades Mercer after a 19-31 season. The Spurs, with Duncan taking over the team from Robinson, win their first title.

Revisionist history: With Nash showing an ability to run a team few NBA folks knew he had, the Celtics breeze through the post-M.J. East before losing to the Trail Blazers in The Finals. McGrady and Duncan each average more than 20 points, and Walker settles in as a reliable third option. Nash leads the league in assists and is hailed as "better than Bob Cousy" by Celtics TV analyst Tommy Heinsohn and "unquestionably bigger in Boston than Larry Bird ever was" by NBC analyst Bill Walton.

1999-2000

History: The Celtics improve to 35-47, but it's not enough for Pitino, who is growing tired of falling short of the high expectations he helped create: "Larry Bird is not walking through that door. Kevin McHale is not walking through that door. Robert Parish is not walking through that door. ... People don't realize that, and as soon as they realize those three guys are not coming through that door, the better this town will be. ... All the negativity in this town sucks." The Lakers beat the Pacers in The Finals, but the league's television ratings are suffering from post-Jordan, postlockout malaise.

Revisionist history: The Lakers and Celtics engage in a seasonlong race to 70 wins on their way to the most-watched Finals matchup in history. Boston beats L.A. in seven games and brings the city its first NBA championship in 14 years. Pitino, arm around Red Auerbach and flanked by his team at Boston's victory celebration, lights up a cigar to the roar of the crowd: "When I came here three years ago and Red was gracious enough to turn the team over to me (Auerbach winces), I knew this day would come. These guys" -- turning toward Duncan, Nash, Walker and McGrady -- "are this generation's Bird, McHale, Johnson and Parish. We couldn't have done it without all the positive energy in this town." McGrady flirts with the Magic in the offseason, but both he and Duncan sign six-year deals to stay in Boston. Team after team searches for "the next Pitino" from the college ranks. Many of the college game's best coaches -- Roy Williams, Gary Williams, Tom Izzo -- are lured by the NBA.

2001-04

History: Pitino resigns on Jan. 8, 2001, after leading the Celtics to a 12-22 start. He is replaced by assistant Jim O'Brien, who guides Boston to the Eastern Conference finals in 2002 and the second round of the playoffs in '03 before leaving the team in '04. The Lakers win championships in 2001 and '02, the last year The Finals are televised on NBC. The Spurs, again behind Duncan, win the 2003 title over the Nets in the lowest-rated Finals ever -- the first on ABC.

Revisionist history: Lakers-Celtics is bigger than it was in the 1980s, so NBC extends its contract with the league and continues to act as its de facto marketing arm. (Duncan/T-Mac vs. Shaq/Kobe, Sunday NBC!) The teams meet in four more Finals, the second and third of which the Lakers win when Jordan shifts the balance of power by joining the Lakers and former coach Phil Jackson for a run at his seventh and eighth rings. Jordan retires again after the 2002-03 season, and Pitino drives the Celtics hard to a championship in 2004. Pitino retires from the Celtics at season's end to take a position as deputy commissioner and the heir apparent to David Stern. McGrady sets out to prove himself on his own, opting out of his contract and signing with his hometown Magic. Duncan extends his contract another six years and pledges to retire a Celtic.

2005-present

History: The Spurs win a third title behind Duncan in 2005, and the league avoids a lockout that summer. Part of the new labor agreement is a 19-year age minimum that will prevent high school players from going straight to the NBA. The once-mighty Celtics finish the decade since Duncan eluded them with a 357-431 record and only three playoff series victories. After winning 16 titles in 39 years, they will enter 2007-08 with zero in the past 21 years.

Revisionist history: When the league renegotiates its CBA in 2005, Stern considers installing an age minimum, but, amid record television ratings and popularity in part fueled by preps-to-pros McGrady and Kobe Bryant, he isn't wont to mess with a good thing. Florida coach Billy Donovan takes over as coach of the Celtics, but Duncan and Nash get no further than the Eastern Conference finals in their first two years without Pitino. In the 2006 draft, two high schoolers -- Greg Oden and Kevin Durant -- stand out. Oden is taken by the moribund Spurs with the first pick. Durant, a lesser-known prospect, goes to Minnesota at No. 6. He averages 29 points as a rookie alongside Kevin Garnett and leads the top-seeded Timberwolves to a sweep of Golden State in the first round of the playoffs. Up next: rookie of the year Oden and the Spurs.

[duncan228]

NBA’s last two champs square off (http://community.nesn.com/blogs/boston_celtics/archive/2009/03/20/3740974.aspx)

Celtics All-Stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen will be in San Antonio Friday night when Boston takes on the Spurs.

That doesn’t mean they’ll be on the floor.

KG, who has missed 13 straight games with a strained right knee, will get a final thumbs-up, thumbs-down after the Friday shootaround. The same goes for Allen, who hyper-extended his right elbow Tuesday against Chicago.

What’s clear is that neither will play both Friday and Saturday. Doc Rivers has stated it’s an either-or situation for the two veterans, a customized recovery plan that speaks to the sheer volume of injuries with which the former Coach of the Year has had to contend.

KG, Ray, Rajon Rondo (ankle) and Glen Davis (ankle) all have missed time recently, while Leon Powe (knee) is out for two weeks, and Brian Scalabrine (concussions) and Tony Allen (thumb) will likely sit for the remainder of the regular season.

That mounting injury list is taking its toll, as the C’s (51-18) have dropped seven of 14 since the All-Star break and now sit well behind Cleveland (55-13) for the top spot in the East.

San Antonio (45-22), meanwhile, has dropped two of four coming into Friday night and is just 10-6 since losing sixth-man and third-leading scorer Manu Ginobili on Feb. 11 to a stress reaction in his right ankle. That drop-off has the Spurs looking over their shoulders at Houston (45-25), just 1.5 games behind them for the No. 2 seed in the West.

The Spurs nipped the Celtics 105-99 on Feb. 8 at the Garden. KG or no KG, Ray or no Ray, the C’s will hope to exact some revenge, as they look to fend off surging Orlando (50-18) for the second spot in the Eastern Conference.

Reasons to watch

1. Kendrick Perkins vs. Tim Duncan. The future Hall of Famer takes on the up-and-coming defensive beast. Perk, 24, has emerged as a serious weapon in the paint for the C’s, averaging 13.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in his last five games. The 32-year-old Duncan, hampered by sore knees, is having one of the worse statistical seasons of his 11-year career. Try telling that to Boston. Duncan dropped 23 points on the Green the last time these two teams met, adding 13 rebounds, a block and five assists. And that was with KG guarding him.

2. End the road woes. The Celtics have lost three straight on the road and are just 3-5 away from the Garden since the All-Star break. Given that the defending champs’ route to the Finals likely goes through Cleveland (31-1 at home this season), the C’s will have to turn that around in the six road games left on their regular-season schedule. Beating the 2006-07 champs on their home court could provide just the boost Boston needs.

3. That, and KG. There’s no guarantee Garnett will play Friday, and he’ll likely be limited to 20 minutes, if he does. Still, his presence in San Antonio alone should be a stimulus for a Boston team that has sorely missed its defensive captain and offensive floor-spreader, dropping six of the 13 games it has faced without him.

The matchups

San Antonio, like Boston, boasts exceptional balance within a deliberate, half-court system.

While they rank just 23rd in the league on offense (97 ppg), the Spurs shoot the seventh-best percentage (46.4) from the floor and hold their opponents to 93 points a game. It’s a Gregg Popovich-led scheme that values veteran leadership (average age of the Spurs roster is 30) and half-court rotations over speed and fast-break offense.

Remind you of anyone? The Celtics’ Big Three of Paul Pierce, KG and Ray are 31, 32 and 33, respectively. And while Boston does push the ball more often than San Antonio does, it generally tries to find open shots by spreading the floor in the half court and allowing Rondo to penetrate the paint for open looks outside.

Tony Parker is the Spurs’ version of Rondo. Only, at 26, the Frenchman has had more time to hone his own scoring skills. The former Finals MVP leads San Antonio at 21.4 points a game, adding 6.7 assists and 0.9 steals. Rondo opts more frequently for the pass, posting 8.5 assists per outing to go with 11.9 points, 5.3 boards and the NBA’s fifth-best mark of 1.9 steals.

With Duncan and KG both ailing, the Parker-Rondo matchup could go a long way in deciding the outcome on Friday night.

The Celtics, too, must keep their eyes on Roger Mason, Michael Finley and Matt Bonner. All three starters are deadly from 3-point range, racing the Spurs to sixth in the league in 3’s per game, at 7.9. Bonner, a Concord, N.H., native, lit the C’s up from beyond the arc in February, dropping a season-high 23 points on three 3’s during his New England homecoming.

Particularly if Ray, Boston’s second-leading scorer, can’t go Friday, it’s imperative the C’s don’t let that happen again.

Injuries

Boston: Garnett injured his right knee late in the second quarter of a Feb. 19 loss to the Jazz. He and Ray are both questionable for Friday, pending the team’s shootaround.

Powe sprained his right knee in the early going of Tuesday’s 127-121 loss to the Bulls. He did not play Wednesday and is likely out for two weeks, according to Rivers. If Garnett also misses Friday, Big Baby, recent pickup Mikki Moore and 6-foot-6 rookie Bill Walker will be Boston’s options at power forward.

Backup forward-center Scalabrine is out until at least April after suffering three concussions in less than a month, and reserve swingman Allen will sit through the remainder of the regular season as he recovers from surgery to repair a torn thumb ligament.

San Antonio: Other than Ginobili, the Spurs are at full strength Friday.

Prediction

Boston swept the season series against San Antonio last season, and now is in danger of having the favor returned. The Spurs walked into the Garden in February and beat a healthy C’s squad up and down the floor. It only makes sense to assume that on their home court, against a much thinner Boston roster, San Antonio will do the same Friday. Pierce and the Green hang tough but ultimately fall short in a defensive battle.

San Antonio 98, Boston 94

[spurs girl21]

I will be sure to see this game

[quentin_compson]

The victory at the Garden back in February was one of the best performances by the Spurs I witnessed this season. I really hope Timmy will be able to move better. Perhaps Matt rediscovers his shooting stroke, that would help quite a bit. I'm also looking forward to see what Gooden can do against the likes of Perkins and Davis (and perhaps even Garnett).

[Don Quixote]

then the NBA finals will be preferable to the senile people who always spend their spare time listening to classical music or watching classical movies.

I happen to LOVE classic movies, and I'm nowhere near old or senile. In fact, the 25 DVD's that our Pres gave to the Prime Minister of the England (you know, the classy gift he gave in exchange for the priceless artifacts from nineteenth century sailing vessels he got. There was a screwup at the State Dept. And I tried to tell them that the DVD's wouldn't play on a Region 2 DVD player, oh well. I guess Eckerd Drug was plum out of scented candles.) were intended to be for me.

And while I'm not a classical music aficionado, perhaps Western Civilization would be well-served by rediscovering some of it, and eschewing the likes of the Stanky Leg, Tiny Wayne, 2-Bit, and Reese's Piece.

(oh .... this is supposed to be about basketball?)

any Finals with the Silver & Black in it is still FAR superior to any of this

[Don Quixote]

If Boston weren't so banged up, I'd be fairly confident that they would beat the Spurs pretty soundly. But with them missing Garnett, and Allen iffy, and with us still missing Super Manu and Tim still dragging his leg around, this becomes a battle of the benches. And I like ours better than theirs.

Spurs win 82-76.

[Manufan909]

SPURS RESERVES

12 Bruce Bowen, F, 6-7, 13th yr
90 Drew Gooden, F/C, 6-10, 8th yr
3 George Hill, G, 6-2, 1st yr
7 Fabricio Oberto, C, 6-10, 4th yr
40 Kurt Thomas, C/F, 6-9, 14th yr
5 Ime Udoka, G/F, 6-5, 5th yr
11 Jacque Vaughn, G, 6-1, 12th yr


Fuck, why can't Hairston be active? I get it's a solid opponent, but with 3 possible PGs, JV seems redundant. But Fin, Ime, and Bruce isn't as nearly a solid SF rotation.

[Spursmania]

Can't wait to see this game tonight. Hopefully, I get to see Gooden live as well.
Go Spurs!

[duncan228]

2008 Champs Take on the 2007 Champs in San Antonio (http://www.celticsblog.com/2009/3/20/805166/2008-champs-take-on-the-20)
by FLCeltsFan

This is the second and final regular season meeting between these two teams. Last season the Celtics swept the Spurs for the first time since the 1988-89 season. The Spurs beat the Celtics 105-99 earlier this season and that was with Ray and KG both in the lineup and only Scal out with an injury. With the Celtics depleted and rusty lineup, this could be a tough one.

The Celtics are clinging to 2nd place in the east with a mere 1/2 game lead on Orlando who are idle on Friday. The Spurs have a slightly firmer hold on 2nd place in the West, 8 games behind the Lakers and 1.5 games ahead of the Rockets who are once again playing without McGrady.

Until March 17, 2007, the Celtics had an 18 game losing streak against the Spurs. Until that Celtic victory, Paul Pierce had never beaten the Spurs and Tim Duncan had never lost to the Celtics. The Spurs hold a 39-34 edge in all time wins between the two teams and the Spurs hold a 19-17 edge on their home court.

Reports out of San Antonio are that KG and Ray both spent time doing drills before this morning's shoot around and also participated in the shoot around. Both are listed as game time decisions but Cedric Maxwell has said that he expects KG to be in the starting lineup tonight. On the other side, this morning's San Antonio papers report that Manu Ginobili practiced but isn't expected to play tonight. Tim Duncan, who sat out the Spurs' last game is expected to play.

Celtics:

Coach: Doc Rivers

Average Age: 26.6
Average Height: 6-6
Average Weight: 222

Probable Starters

Rajon Rondo/Ray Allen/Paul Pierce/Kevin Garnett/Kendrick Perkins

While Ray and KG are both game time decisions, I am going to be optimistic and list them both in the starting lineup. If Ray can't go, expect Stephon Marbury to get the start in his place again and if KG can't play, Big Baby should once again fill in at PF.

Injuries:
Brian Scalabrine (Concussion) out
Tony Allen (thumb) out
Leon Powe (knee) out
Kevin Garnett (game time decision)
Ray Allen (game time decision)

Spurs:

Coach: Gregg Popovich

Average Age: 29.6
Average Height: 6-6
Average Weight: 217

Probable Starters

Tony Parker/Roger Mason/Michael Finley/Tim Duncan/Matt Bonner

The Spurs have their starting lineup in place and healthy for the stretch run. They are looking toward the playoffs as Tim Duncan sat out their win over the Wolves on Tuesday with an eye toward resting him for the playoffs by sitting him in the second of back to back games.

Injuries
Ian Mahinmi (Ankle) out
Manu Ginobili (fibula) doubtful

Key Matchups

Rajon Rondo vs Tony Parker
Rondo has been compared to Parker by several writers but Parker has much more experience to draw on than Rondo does at this point in their careers. Still, when Rondo is aggressive and focused, he can pretty much take on any point guard in the league, including Parker. Rondo got the slight edge on Parker in their first matchup with 6 points, 16 assists and 5 rebound to 7 points 7 assists and 5 rebounds for Parker. The Spurs however, got the win.

Kevin Garnett vs Tim Duncan
This is a matchup of the two best power forwards in the league. Duncan sat out the Spurs last game with an eye toward resting up for the playoffs. Doc has waffled on his statement that KG will play in this one but I have to feel that if he is cleared by the medical staff and accompanies the team on the trip, he will talk his way into this game. We should expect some rust, though KG played Duncan fairly even in their first matchup, Duncan may have it much easier in this one.

Honorable Mention

Kendrick Perkins vs Matt Bonner
Bonner torched the Celtics for 23 points, most from the outside in their first meeting. Perk will have to figure out how to stop him from once again taking over from the perimeter.

Team Connections

Doc Rivers played for the Spurs from '94-96
Kurt Thomas and Eddie House were teammates on the Suns
Jacques Vaughn and Brian Scalabrine were teammates in New Jersey
Jacques Vaughn played for Doc in Orlando
Tim Duncan was the prize in the 1997 draft and the Celtics had the best chance of landing him but ended up with the 3rd and 6th picks instead.

Keys to the Game

Defense The Celtics defense has been slipping considerably as of late. The Spurs are a tough team with good outside shooters (They shoot 40% from beyond the arc which is first in the league). They are also tough inside with Parker who can drive to the hoop and Duncan who is very tough to stop in the paint. The Celtics must find their defensive intensity or this could be an ugly game.

Ball Movement - The Celtics have let their offense get stagnant at times and let the ball stop moving. At times players have tried to do it themselves, taking quick shots, rather than playing the team game that makes them so tough to stop. They will need to move the ball and find the open man. They also need to get the ball up the court quickly instead of walking it up because if they let the Spurs defense get set, they will find it difficult to get past it.

Rebound The Celtics need to be aggressive on the boards to prevent second chance points by the Spurs. They also need to work the offensive boards so as not to be one shot and done.

Sense of Urgency This game is much more crucial for the Celtics to win than it is for the Spurs. Let's hope the Celts come out with a sense of urgency and play hard from start to finish. They can't afford haphazard efforts like they have submitted against their opponents recently. If the Celtics come out with a sense of urgency from the beginning and play hard, they have a chance in this one, even with all the injuries.

X-Factor

Injuries and Rust
The Celtics have been decimated by injuries of late and they still have key players out of the lineup. Even if KG returns, he will be rusty and won't be the same as he was before the inury in his first game back. Against a top team like the Spurs close to full strength, the injuries may just be too much to overcome.

---

CelticBalla32 also checked in with a recap today, his comments below.

There is a lot going on in the basketball world right now, highlighted by "March Madness," the NCAA's 2009 tournament. The buzz around your place of business and/or amongst your group of friends is centered around bracket selections, upsets, sleepers, pool standings, etc. It's a great time.

All bracket busters aside, the Celtics still have 13 regular season games to play before shifting their focus towards playoff basketball. Tonight, the men in green will be hosted by the San Antonio Spurs, who hold the NBA's fourth-best record at 45-22. This is a tough game against a tough team, in a tough building to win it.

However, the Celtics may be getting a much-needed boost for tonight's showdown, as Kevin Garnett may give it a go for the first time since February 19 due to a knee strain. Throughout that stint, the struggling C's settled for an underwhelming 7-6 record. Ray Allen, who sat out of Wednesday night's overtime victory vs. Miami with a hyperextended right elbow, is also listed as a gametime decision.

San Antonio's "big three" has fought the injury bug of late, as well. Manu Ginobili remains sidelined with a stress reaction in his right ankle, while Gregg Popovich is sitting Tim Duncan on the second night of some back-to-backs as he battles knee soreness. Even Tony Parker missed nine consecutive games in November.

Hobbled or not, these clubs are two of the scariest that the league has to offer, and are both hungry for late-season victories in order to secure the two-seed in their respective conferences.

[duncan228]

Ainge: Garnett close to returning (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/03/20/ainge_garnett_close_to_returning/)
By Marc J. Spears

Kevin Garnett hasn't played in a game in more than a month. But based on what Celtics president Danny Ainge has seen behind closed doors in Waltham, he believes Garnett is ready to play. Whether that's tonight against the Spurs, tomorrow against Memphis, or later could be determined this morning.

Garnett has been out with a sprained right knee he suffered Feb. 19 at Utah. The 2007-08 Defensive Player of the Year made the trip to San Antonio, but has not practiced since suffering the injury. Although Ainge is confident Garnett is ready based on his workouts this week, the team is still being cautious.

"He's looking good," Ainge said. "He's made a great deal of strides, especially in the last 10 days or so. It took him a little while to get going. But in the last week to 10 days, he's been looking a lot better.

"Just by the way he's moving, he looks fresh and healthy. We're still playing it by ear. We're still waiting to see what's going to happen. I'm confident that he will be back [soon]."

A strong shootaround could get Garnett back in the starting lineup tonight.

"I think we'll click right away, especially when we get Kevin back out there, our starting five out there, because they know how to play the game," Paul Pierce said.

Added Rajon Rondo, "Any time you can play with a future Hall of Famer, you always welcome him."

The injury-riddled Celtics are 10-6 without Garnett this season, 7-6 in this recent stretch, and 4-5 in March. Three players who have replaced Garnett have also succumbed to injuries. Brian Scalabrine has been out since Feb. 23 with concussions, Glen Davis missed four games with a right ankle sprain before returning Wednesday against Miami, and Leon Powe is out two weeks with a sprained right knee he suffered at Chicago Tuesday.

"We've always known how good [Garnett] is," Ainge said. "Any team can get by with losing their best player for a short period of time. It's tough over a longer period. Scal was playing really good in his absence, then we lose Scal.

"Sometimes it's not so much the guy you're replacing. Our two shooting players at that position are both out and that hurts our spacing. The Scal element hurt us, too."

The Celtics have also lost starting guards Rondo (ankle) and Ray Allen to injuries during Garnett's absence. Allen missed Wednesday's game with a hyperextended elbow, but is day to day and made the trip to San Antonio. The Spurs will be without guard Manu Ginobili (right ankle), but Tim Duncan (right knee) is expected to play after sitting out Tuesday's game against Minnesota.

The Celtics are arguably the NBA's best defensive team with Garnett. Boston is third in points allowed per game at 93.3. But without the 6-foot-11-inch Garnett, the Celtics have allowed more than 100 points in five of nine games this month.

"[Garnett's] our leader and we miss his leadership out on the floor, his verbal leadership," coach Doc Rivers said. "He's the one guy that holds everybody accountable defensively. We've won games but they've been offensive games. You look at some of the numbers we've put up, but we know - I know - that that is fool's gold and you don't win that way. You have to get stops and we're not getting stops right now.

"We're giving up 30-point quarters, 37-point quarters. That doesn't happen when he's on the floor."

"We miss his communication on defense," Rondo added. "He's always talking behind me and letting me know when I'm by myself [guarding someone]. It takes a load off everything."

If everything goes right health-wise for the Celtics, only Scalabrine, Powe, and Tony Allen (thumb surgery) will be out by next week. Boston was down to 10 healthy players Wednesday. Pierce, the only Celtic to play every game this season, believes a respite will help the injured.

"The good thing about it is that these guys are going to be fresh," Pierce said. "After playing 120-something games last year, and playing so many games early at the top part of our schedule, maybe it could be a blessing in disguise that these guys got some time off, especially Kevin."

Ainge concurred. "Our thought process is what it's always been; we need Kevin healthy for the playoffs. That's our No. 1 priority," he said.

[tp2021]

Just got into SA, ready to head over to the arena.

GO SPURS GO!

[quentin_compson]

Just got into SA, ready to head over to the arena.

GO SPURS GO!

Have fun at the game! :toast

No game blog yet?

[Manufan909]

Damn d228, you're like colonel sanders in the matrix, who could see everything at once.

http://thematrix101.com/media/still/photo-rel_architect.jpg

[vander]

NBA Finlas Preview....

that's what we all thought last year too


anyways, I hope TD continues to rest until he can actually play at a level that helps the team. for the last few weeks, we've been better off without him

[duncan228]

Rick Kamla just said on the pregame show that Garnett will play, but won't be on the court long. Ray Allen should be playing too.