Spurs vs. Hornets Previews

[duncan228]

Hornets at Spurs: Weds, 10/28, 8:00 (ET), National TV: ESPN (http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2009/10/the-first-dime-of-09/)

The Scene: Ooooooweeee…this matchup’s a doozy. Also, kind of an ironic one as well. You see, it was in the 2008 playoffs that the Hornets lost an incredible, yet heart-wrenching seven game series against the Spurs in the second round. Everyone applauded Chris Paul and his team for their heart and effort in the series, and predicted that they would be around the top in 08-09. Maybe New Orleans made the mistake of listening to the media too much, because they came back listless for most of the year. Their talent alone carried them to the playoffs, but New Orleans suffered a first round exit against the Nuggets in only 5 games, which included an EMBARRASSING 58 point loss at home. So if the Hornets hope to make an early statement, San Antonio is the perfect team to do it against.

Hornets’ Tests: Best trade of the offseason: Chandler for Okafor, in favor of New Orleans. What a steal…and that’s their test: Can Okafor hang with Duncan and the other dominant post men in the West? Okafor has been steadily improving but in the Eastern conference, so this first game should be a sign of how he’ll matchup against the West’s bigs. I’m not really worried about the play of CP3, Peja, and David West. Okafor’s the key this year.

Spurs’ Tests: Just as the 2009 Hornets were affected by the 2008 postseason, the 2009 Spurs also have regressed since those playoffs. The Spurs have won 4 championships in the last decade and reached the conference finals in ’08 but lost to a better Lakers team in five games. A respectable finish. However, last year, as a number three seed, the Spurs finally looked their age in the playoffs in an easy 4-1 victory for the Mavericks in the first round. The Spurs had a solid offseason though, acquiring the quick and versatile Richard Jefferson and a solid forward in Antonio McDyess. The Spurs are the Patriots of the NBA, essentially. They know they are still an elite team and perhaps the best organization in sports, but their test is: are they still savvy and healthy enough to make a deep run? Good first test against a very talented New Orleans squad.

Prediction: Fantastic game definitely worthy of a national televising. Spurs might hit a wall again, but that won’t be at the beginning of the season. Spurs stay proud at home in a down-to-the-wire thriller. Spurs at the buzzer.

[naico]

Okafor not even sure to play in this game.

[AFBlue]

Okafor for Chandler...decidely NOT the best trade of the off-season.

[duncan228]

X-rays on DeJuan Blair’s bruised tailbone were negative Saturday. The rookie is considered day-to-day for practices but is not expected to miss Wednesday’s season-opener against New Orleans.

[Spursfan092120]

YEAH BABY!!! First regular season preview...the official signing of the new season is upon us...WOOHOO!!

[Riverwalkman]

:hungry: Let's kick some ass, the game begins!!!

[SpurCharger]

Im Actually Happy To see Chandler Gone..... He defended Tim very well... Timmy Will Dominate Okafor.

[JWest596]

I think the Hornets' funk will continue to some degree or another for this season. A good team, playoff bound, spoiler but usual early round out. I think CP3 will eventually demand a trade despite his latest extension and look for a winning team at some point. This season will decide it. He's bound to get frustrated. Byron Scott or not. Just a hunch.

[kbrury]

Hornets’ Tests: Best trade of the offseason: Chandler for Okafor, in favor of New Orleans.


:lmao:lmao:lmao:lmao

[Texas_Ranger]

That trade was the best of the offseason????? :lol

[Riverwalkman]

Prediction:Spurs win, 100-88

Duncan 15 points 8 rebs
Parker 24points 4asts
Manu 8points 6asts
RJ 22points 4rebs
Dice 8points 6rebs

[TIMMYD!]

Prediction:Spurs win, 100-88

Duncan 15 points 8 rebs
Parker 24points 4asts
Manu 8points 6asts
RJ 22points 4rebs
Dice 8points 6rebs

If Okafor plays, expect Tim to have more of both.

[ducks]

I would be surpised to see duncan put big stats up early latter in the year

[Muser]

Prediction:Spurs win, 100-88

Duncan 15 points 8 rebs
Parker 24points 4asts
Manu 8points 6asts
RJ 22points 4rebs
Dice 8points 6rebs

I don't think RJ is gonna get 22 points this early into the season.

[TIMMYD!]

My Prediction Spurs Win, 103-96
Tim 18 pts, 10 rbds
Tony 22 pts, 5 asts
Manu 14 pts, 3 asts,
RJ 13 pts, 4 rbds

[completely deck]

Hornets’ Tests: Best trade of the offseason: Chandler for Okafor, in favor of New Orleans. What a steal…and that’s their test: Can Okafor hang with Duncan and the other dominant post men in the West?

:rollin

Boy you crazy, "Doobie Okon".

[Interrohater]

Spurs 192-42

Blair: 183 pts 49 rebounds 27 blocks

[Spurs Brazil]

Spurs vs. Hornets Previews

Damn, I missed that A LOT:hungry::hungry::hungry:

[duncan228]

New Orleans Hornets center Emeka Okafor practices Sunday, hopes to play in opener (http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ssf/2009/10/new_orleans_hornets_center_eme_3.html)
By Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Having missed all of training camp and the preseason with a sprained right second toe, New Orleans Hornets center Emeka Okafor practiced almost completely with the team on Sunday and said afterward he feels better than he has in weeks.

Okafor, who sustained a minor setback nearly two weeks ago which cancelled his original plans to play in the Oct. 17 preseason game against Indiana, participated in everything but the five-on-five, contact scrimmage portion of Sunday's practice and reported no ill effects.

Okafor attempted to clear up misconceptions that arose after a Yahoo.com on Friday said he'd been given medical clearance to resume practice two weeks ago, but still wasn't fully participating in workouts.

"It made it seem like I wasn't playing for the sake of not playing," Okafor said. "What was left out was that the doctors said it was OK for me to gradually do weight-bearing activities until I felt comfortable to play. The previous week I jumped out there, felt the soreness and got set back.

"This time the game plan was to gradually build. That's what we've been doing and had success. Today was the first time I was on the court running, doing everything, the non-contact things, to try to gradually ease myself into the water. It's cool. It's in a better place. It's definitely more manageable than it was. And that was the goal: to get to a place where it could manageable and I could get to place where I could play. If I have to play with pain, I can. But understand this is the preseason. Why take extraordinary measures when it's not necessary at this point?"

Okafor has played every regular-season game the last two years. The Hornets open the regular season Wedneday night at San Antonio.

"I like playing and I need to get out there and I'm going to be out there," Okafor said of playing in that game. "It's not necessarily about a streak. I like playing and I personally don't like missing games unless it's absolutely necessary. Obviously you can't help certain things, but if you can . . . . "

[duncan228]

Damn, I missed that A LOT:hungry::hungry::hungry:

:) I'm ready.

[Bukefal]

Finallyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy :lol bring it onnnnn, let's kick some hornet ass

[mazerrackham]

I thought he was being sarcastic with that trade remark, but I looked again and maybe he's just dumb.

[xellos88330]

I wonder when NoLimit will show up.

[AussieFanKurt]

I reckon we'll go 82-0

[ouyang]

Spurs 192-42

Blair: 183 pts 49 rebounds 27 blocks

Don't be so unrealistic.You are crazy.

[Solid D]

I'll be interested to see how the Spurs match up against David West, now, with the new arsenal of Bigs. McDyess and Blair both have the ability to make things tough for David inside, but West can still face up and hit the open 18 footer like it's a layup.

I look forward to seeing that pouting, frowning sense of entitlement look from David when things go bad.

CP3 is sure to have added some new theatrical performances for the opener. TP, George and the entire team defense will have to be on their collective toes.

[draft87]

That trade was the best of the offseason????? :lol

more like Most Successful Inciting a Healthy "WTF??!!!??" This is a Lose-Lose

[Riverwalkman]

New Orleans Hornets center Emeka Okafor practices Sunday, hopes to play in opener
By Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune
October 25, 2009, 2:26PM
Having missed all of training camp and the preseason with a sprained right second toe, New Orleans Hornets center Emeka Okafor practiced almost completely with the team on Sunday and said afterward he feels better than he has in weeks.
Okafor, who sustained a minor setback nearly two weeks ago which cancelled his original plans to play in the Oct. 17 preseason game against Indiana, participated in everything but the five-on-five, contact scrimmage portion of Sunday's practice and reported no ill effects.
Okafor attempted to clear up misconceptions that arose after a Yahoo.com on Friday said he'd been given medical clearance to resume practice two weeks ago, but still wasn't fully participating in workouts.
"It made it seem like I wasn't playing for the sake of not playing," Okafor said. "What was left out was that the doctors said it was OK for me to gradually do weight-bearing activities until I felt comfortable to play. The previous week I jumped out there, felt the soreness and got set back.
"This time the game plan was to gradually build. That's what we've been doing and had success. Today was the first time I was on the court running, doing everything, the non-contact things, to try to gradually ease myself into the water. It's cool. It's in a better place. It's definitely more manageable than it was. And that was the goal: to get to a place where it could manageable and I could get to place where I could play. If I have to play with pain, I can. But understand this is the preseason. Why take extraordinary measures when it's not necessary at this point?"
Okafor has played every regular-season game the last two years. The Hornets open the regular season Wedneday night at San Antonio.
"I like playing and I need to get out there and I'm going to be out there," Okafor said of playing in that game. "It's not necessarily about a streak. I like playing and I personally don't like missing games unless it's absolutely necessary. Obviously you can't help certain things, but if you can . . . . "
http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ssf/2009/10/new_orleans_hornets_center_eme_3.html

[Mel_13]

Adrian Wojnarowski: The Hornets plan to have Okafor in lineup on Wednesday vs. Spurs, with expectation he will get in three practices this week. Twitter.com

[Spursmania]

That trade was the best of the offseason????? :lol

:lmao:lmao:lmao

[Spursmania]

Somebody should post the video of CP3 flopping between Duncan and I think Fabb? That flops a classic.

CP3 showing his theatrical and whining skills-makes me laugh so hard and gets me pissed at the same time.:lol

[duncan228]

New Orleans Hornets' Emeka Okafor eager to toe the line (http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ssf/2009/10/new_orleans_hornets_emeka_okaf_2.html)
By Jimmy Smith, The Times-Picayune

Taking the time to clarify what he thought was a somewhat misleading report last week on his extended absence, New Orleans Hornets center Emeka Okafor on Sunday said he is not ruling out the chance he could play in the team's regular-season opener Wednesday night at San Antonio.

Okafor participated in all of the team's rigorous practice Sunday at the Alario Center except for the five-on-five, full-contact scrimmages, and the center said the sprained second toe on his right foot responded favorably.

A story on Yahoo.com on Friday indicated that Okafor had received medical clearance to fully resume activities two weeks ago but seemed reluctant to participate in all phases of team workouts.

"There were a couple of things in the article that weren't conveyed right as far as the doctors saying it was OK for me to (practice), " Okafor said. "The article almost made it seem like I wasn't playing for the sake of not playing. What was left out was that the doctors said it was OK for me to gradually do weight-bearing activities until I felt comfortable to play. The previous week I jumped out there and started running and felt the soreness and got set back.

"This time the game plan was to gradually build. That's what we've been doing and had success doing. Today was the first time I was on the court running, doing everything, the non-contact things, to try to gradually ease myself into the water."

Okafor said when he practiced for the first time Oct. 12 after missing the first three weeks of training camp -- planning to make his preseason debut Oct. 17 against Indiana -- he experienced soreness during and after the workout, which slowed his progress.

After Sunday's practice, Okafor said the toe felt fine.

"It's cool. It's in a better place, " Okafor said. "It's definitely more manageable than it was. And that was the goal: to get to a place where it could be manageable and I could get to place where I could play. I think people have to realize I've played two straight seasons (without missing a game) and in all those games, I haven't felt 100 percent.

"There are days I've played with pain. If I have to play with pain, I can. But understand this is the preseason. Why take extraordinary measures when it's not necessary at this point? If it comes time when you've just got to go, cool. But if the time doesn't dictate that . . ."

Hornets Coach Byron Scott said Sunday Okafor's teammates -- reported in the Yahoo story as becoming somewhat disgruntled by Okafor's absence -- seemed pleased to have Okafor on the court.

"When a player tells me he's still hurting a little bit, I'm going to take him for his word. And I believe him, " Scott said. "That's why we didn't rush him back or anything. He worked today, which was great. He did a lot of stuff on the court. I kept him out of the five-on-five stuff. We'll gradually try to move him along (Monday) a little bit more.

"But he looked good today. That was a good sign to see him out there today running around. So we're happy about that. I think (Okafor's teammates) understand the situation. And if they were in the same situations as far as with an injury, me from a coaching standpoint, I wouldn't rush them back. I think they felt good to see him out here today participating. That was a good sign. Hopefully, tomorrow he can do a little more and just go from there."

Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower would not say exactly when Okafor was medically cleared, citing medical privacy concerns, but added the team was not overly bothered about the extent of time Okafor has missed.

"Injuries are a part of the preseason and will be a part of the regular season, " Bower said. "Obviously, the ability to participate is dictated by the athlete's ability to perform. He has gone through the rehabilitation stages and is working his way to transition back into regular team activities. It's a process we have to go through."

Okafor said initially the toe sprain was not the type of injury he could tape and continue to work, but the recovery process now is at a point where that could be possible. That makes Okafor hopeful he'll play against the Spurs, keeping his regular-season streak alive, and possibly play heavy minutes, providing he wakes up this morning relatively pain-free.

"I don't think that's out of the question, " Okafor said." I just have to see. I just had practice today. My toe feels fine now. We'll see how it is later on (Sunday) and in the morning time and base the progress on that. If everything's cool, I don't see why it can't be a possibility."

OTHER INJURIES: Forwards David West (sprained left ankle) and Julian Wright (right knee strain) fully participated in Sunday's workout. Both played in Friday's preseason finale after sustaining injuries Wednesday. Wright reported some slight soreness during Sunday's workout, Scott said.

[Danny.Zhu]

If Okafor plays, I guess we might lose by 5 points.

[manustarting2gd]

If Okafor plays, I guess we might lose by 5 points.

Yeah right

[angelbelow]

Lol okafor for chandler was the best trade huh

[redzero]

LOL at people thinking the Hornets are doomed because they won't have Chandler. The Hornets beat the Spurs without Chandler last season. No problem.

[Morg1411]

LOL at people thinking the Hornets are doomed because they won't have Chandler. The Hornets beat the Spurs without Chandler last season. No problem.

LOL at people thinking the Hornets have a shot at doing anything this year. Fucking fail.

[NRHector]

LOL at people thinking the Hornets are doomed because they won't have Chandler. The Hornets beat the Spurs without Chandler last season. No problem.LOL at people still holding to the last season. New season, New Spurs.:flag:

[Muser]

LOL at people thinking the Hornets are doomed because they won't have Chandler. The Hornets beat the Spurs without Chandler last season. No problem.

The Hornets are doomed.

[Agloco]

:tu

[Agloco]

LOL at people thinking the Hornets are doomed because they won't have Chandler. The Hornets beat the Spurs without Chandler last season. No problem.

McDyess/Blair > Thomas/Oberto

And lets not forget:

Duncan2010 > Duncan2009

[FlAVaK]

Somebody should post the video of CP3 flopping between Duncan and I think Fabb? That flops a classic.

3TaRdBpxfrw

[duncan228]

Hornets' Okafor angling to play Wednesday versus Spurs (http://www.wwltv.com/sports/hornets/stories/wwl102609bhhornetsemeka.25613e60c.html)
Bradley Handwerger

WESTWEGO ― With less than two days to go before the Hornets tip off their 2009-10 season, the Okafor Watch continues.

That’s not a good thing, either.

Okafor, New Orleans’ big offseason acquisition, has yet to play in a game in the Hornets’ uniform and he has only been through two days of practice.

But the optimism is building that his introduction into the lineup could come as early as Wednesday in New Orleans’ season-opener, a 7 p.m. showdown at Southwest Division rival San Antonio.

“He did more today than he did (Sunday),” New Orleans Head Coach Byron Scott said following Monday’s practice session. “Hopefully he’ll feel pretty good tomorrow and we’ll try to up it a little bit.”

Okafor has sat out the entire preseason and training camp with an injured toe. More than three weeks after camp began, Okafor can finally envision his first minutes as a Hornet.

“I can definitely see myself playing Wednesday,” Okafor said. “I’m not completely pain free, but now it’s to the point where it’s manageable. That was the goal, to get it where it’s manageable.”

The sixth-year former No. 2 overall pick has played all 82 games the past two seasons.

He also owns a career double-double average, putting up 14 points and 10.7 rebounds per game. But his biggest contribution might be on the defensive end, where he averages nearly two blocked shots per game.

And that’s where New Orleans might need him the most. Opponents averaged 103.3 points per game in eight preseason games and the Hornets had two fewer blocked shots per game than opponents.

Sunday and Monday’s practice were enough to show Scott that Okafor will be an upgrade from Hilton Armstrong and Sean Marks, who have been playing center in his stead.

“He played with a lot of intensity today,” Scott said. “He’s very, very active down there. He comes to block everything and he runs the floor extremely well. In just two days, I’ve been impressed with his athleticism and his defense. That’s one of the reasons we got him.”

Yet, there could be issues, at least early on. Okafor doesn’t have any on-court chemistry with Chris Paul or David West and since he hasn’t been on the floor, he doesn’t know all of the offensive sets.

“I think you have to limit it to a certain extent and some of the things he doesn’t know, we can run through timeouts,” Scott said. “As far as just coming down and calling a bunch of plays he’s not familiar with, we’ll have to be pretty simple right now with him in the basketball game.”

Okafor, however, isn’t buying into any lack of chemistry.

“I don’t think it will be that big of an issue,” he said. “It may take a game or two to get fully acclimated with the team. I don’t think it’ll be too hard.”

[duncan228]

8xPpIgKlBbo

[taps]

I look forward to seeing that pouting, frowning sense of entitlement look from David when things go bad.


qft. In the 08 semi's listening to all those 'wild wild west' puns every time David had a good game was insufferable

[TIMMYD!]

8xPpIgKlBbo

Tim showing his fire in this video. Well done, Tim, tell him who's the best.:tu

[AussieFanKurt]

CP3 is a great player
but he's a bigger flopper than Manu

[Spursmania]

3TaRdBpxfrw

:tu Spot on...

[Agloco]

Prediction:Spurs win, 100-88

Duncan 15 points 8 rebs
Parker 24points 4asts
Manu 8points 6asts
RJ 22points 4rebs
Dice 8points 6rebs

You forgot Blairs line:

23 points 15 rebs 4 arms ........... in 20 minutes. :hat

[Agloco]

8xPpIgKlBbo

228, is there a post game interview with Timmy about this incident? I'm wondering what he said to Paul. Whatever it was had to be getting on his last nerve. I can't recollect Timmy doing that to anyone.

[Flux451]

8xPpIgKlBbo

Chris Paul is a drama queen

[Flux451]

CP3 is a great player
but he's a worse flopper than Manu

fixed

[Riverwalkman]

You forgot Blairs line:

23 points 15 rebs 4 arms ........... in 20 minutes. :hat
I'm not sure if he could play that much. I'd like to see how Pop rotates his talents.

[duncan228]

228, is there a post game interview with Timmy about this incident? I'm wondering what he said to Paul. Whatever it was had to be getting on his last nerve. I can't recollect Timmy doing that to anyone.

I don't remember if Duncan said anything about it after the game. I'll look through my stuff. On the court Duncan says "Calm the fuck down" to Paul after a Bonner/Paul run-in.

[pawe]

We are forgetting one imprtant player, Roger Mason Jr.
Cant wait to see his quick release late game back-breaking shots.
Go Spurs Go!!!

[mexpurs21]

Hornets at Spurs: Weds, 10/28, 8:00 (ET), National TV: ESPN (http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2009/10/the-first-dime-of-09/)
Best trade of the offseason: Chandler for Okafor.

Excuse me?
WTF

[Riverwalkman]

I don't remember if Duncan said anything about it after the game. I'll look through my stuff. On the court Duncan says "Calm the fuck down" to Paul after a Bonner/Paul run-in.
:lol:lol:lol Spurs fans don't like Paul, I think Duncan doesn't like him too. Both are from Wakeforest, but totally different personalities.

[Spurm]

Hornets by 12

The Spurms suck big dick!

[Spurm]

Yup suck ass bitches

[Riverwalkman]

Hornets by 12

The Spurms suck big dick!
:lmao Your username is Spurm, right?

and I thought you Orlando fans should hate Lakers.

[NRHector]

Hornets by 12

The Spurms suck big dick!looks who's back:lol

[duncan228]

New Orleans (0-0) at San Antonio (0-0)
Game info: 8:00 pm EDT Wed Oct 28, 2009
TV: ESPN
By Matt Beardmore

With Tim Duncan’s career quickly approaching the finish line, the San Antonio Spurs may have acquired the right pieces for another championship run with their star center.

Coming off their longest summer break since 2000, the Spurs open their season Wednesday night, when they host a New Orleans Hornets team that’s also looking to bounce back from a first-round playoff exit.

Duncan, a four-time NBA champion, begins his 13th season following a disappointing 2008-09, when San Antonio was eliminated by Dallas in five games. Duncan, slowed by tendonosis in his right quad toward the end of the season, averaged 19.8 points and 8.0 rebounds in that series as the Spurs failed to reach the Western Conference semifinals for the first time since 1999-2000.

“It’s very logical, it’s very real. I’ve got a couple years left on my career, and hopefully I can end it strong,” Duncan, 33, said during training camp. “I know the window for me is closing.”

In a somewhat surprising move, the Spurs acquired forward Richard Jefferson from Milwaukee in June for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto.

Jefferson has $29.2 million left on the final two years of his deal.

“The face of the league has changed significantly over the last two years,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “We’ve hung in there as long as we can, and this year we’re going to have to spend money like some other people.”

San Antonio also signed veterans Antonio McDyess and Theo Ratliff in the offseason to bolster its frontcourt.

With teams possibly fearful of his two reconstructive knee surgeries, Pittsburgh forward DeJuan Blair fell to No. 37 in this summer’s draft, where the Spurs gladly selected the All-American forward that led the nation in offensive rebounds last season with 5.6.

“It’s no secret there are medical issues. Obviously that was a deal that didn’t work in DeJuan’s favor,” Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said. “But we’re the fortunate recipients of that.”

San Antonio is hoping Manu Ginobili’s injury woes are in the past, after injured ankles forced him to miss 38 games and the playoffs in 2008-09.

Ginobili enters the final year of his contract.

His backcourt mate, Tony Parker, injured his right ankle over the summer while playing for the French national team, but the three-time All-Star is healthy after posting career highs with 22.0 points and 6.9 assists last season.

While Hornets point guard Chris Paul looks to follow up what was arguably his best season - he averaged a career-best 22.8 points with league highs in assists (11.0) and steals (2.8) - he knows New Orleans is not among the favorites to come out of the West after its first-round playoff exit to Denver in the spring.

“It’s nice to fly under the radar,” Paul said. “A couple years ago, when we had a successful season (a franchise-record 56 wins), we flew under the radar, so I’m excited about that again this year.”

Paul, who finished fifth in last season’s MVP voting, won’t have Tyson Chandler to pass to this season after the Hornets traded the center to Charlotte for Emeka Okafor.

“What we’ve done is we’ve changed things - intentionally - because sometimes we have to break out of what’s comfortable in order to grow,” Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said. “Adding Emeka to our team forces us all to make changes and forces us all to take steps to move further.”

Okafor, who averaged 13.2 points and was fifth in the NBA with 10.1 rebounds in 2008-09, has never played in a postseason game, but with Paul running the Hornets’ attack, Okafor begins his sixth season with a renewed sense of optimism.

“(Paul is) one of the premier point guards in the league, and having a good experienced point guard makes all the difference in the world,” he said. “So I’m very interested to see how that dynamic works.”

Hornets coach Byron Scott, beginning the final year of his contract, is looking for increased production from third-year forward Julian Wright, who will likely move into the starting lineup in place of Peja Stojakovic, whose chronic back problems limited him to 61 games last season.

“(Julian) has to be ready to take the next step,” Scott said. “The opportunity is going to be given to him now. If he doesn’t take it, it’s all on him.”

All-Star forward David West scored a career-best 21.0 points per game with 8.5 rebounds in 2008-09. He averaged 23.5 points and 10.5 boards as the Hornets and Spurs split four games last season.

New Orleans has lost three straight and nine of 10 in San Antonio.

********************

Injury Report

NEW ORLEANS
· Emeka Okafor C - Oct 25: Day-to-Day
· David West PF - Oct 24: Day-to-Day
· Chris Paul PG - Oct 24: Day-to-Day

SAN ANTONIO
No significant injuries

[NRHector]

:lmao Your username is Spurm, right?

and I thought you Orlando fans should hate Lakers.he is not really an orlando fan that is only one of his many usernames, he is just another troll trying to get some attention, that type of post is all you are going to read from him

[TimmehC]

LOL at people thinking the Hornets are doomed because they won't have Chandler. The Hornets beat the Spurs without Chandler last season. No problem.
Hornets are doomed because their wings are terrible. All of them. Chandler/Okafor has nothing to do with it.

[HarlemHeat37]

Okafor doesn't defend Duncan as well as Chandler does, but he still defends him fairly well..

Matchups against New Orleans are always tough due to Paul and especially West though, so we can never count them out..

[bishopospurs]

This game will not come down to a buzzer beater. Jefferson trade>>>>Okafor trade

[Texas_Ranger]

This game will not come down to a buzzer beater. Jefferson trade>>>>Okafor trade


Blair signing >>>>> Okafor trade. :hat

[slick'81]

i also dont think it will be a cake walk first game with a fairly new lineup could easily be a nail biter

[anakha]

Hornets by 12

The Spurms suck big dick!

You know the season's really started when Louis is back.

[quentin_compson]

I don't think it will be an easy one for the Spurs with all the new guys on the team. But on the other hand, Okafor has yet to play one single game with the Hornets, and I don't think he matches up well with Duncan anyway.

I hope we will see some Hill defense on Paul - I really think he could make life hard for sweet little Chrissy. West will still give us nightmares, though - maybe Blair could have some success against him.

[redzero]

I don't think it will be an easy one for the Spurs with all the new guys on the team. But on the other hand, Okafor has yet to play one single game with the Hornets, and I don't think he matches up well with Duncan anyway.

I hope we will see some Hill defense on Paul - I really think he could make life hard for sweet little Chrissy. West will still give us nightmares, though - maybe Blair could have some success against him.

Yeah, Paul would only average 25 pts and 13 asts against Hill.

[ElNono]

Yeah, Paul would only average 25 pts and 13 asts against Hill.

Need to up those numbers if he doesn't want to keep losing by 58 points...

[dbestpro]

New Orleans is already in desperation mode and the first game has not been played. If any of the Spurs starters were in the same boat, Pop would hold them out until they were 100% ready. Not to jinx New Orleans, but that kind of player management is what can cause a guy like Okafor to have a season ending injury.

[Bruno]

:hungry:

And big thanks to duncan228.

[duncan228]

Wednesday: Hornet (0-0) at Spurs (0-0) (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Wednesday_Hornet_0-0_at_Spurs_0-0.html)
Time: 7 p.m.
TV: ESPN, KENS
Radio: WOAI-AM 1200, KCOR-AM 1350

STARTING LINEUPS
POS - SPURS - HORNETS

PG - 9 Tony Parker (6-2, 9th yr) - 3 Chris Paul (6-0, 5th yr)
Parker has green light to run Spurs' offense on his own

SG - 4 Michael Finley (6-7, 15th yr) - 24 Morris Peterson (6-7, 10th yr)
Popovich: "Finley hasn't lost even a quarter-step"

SF - 24 Richard Jefferson (6-7, 9th yr) - 32 Julian Wright (6-8, 3rd yr)
Wright replaces veteran Peja Stojakovic as starter

PF - 21 Tim Duncan (6-11, 13th yr) - 30 David West (6-9, 7th yr)
West was Hornets' No. 2 scorer in preseason, averaging 13.3 ppg

C - 15 Matt Bonner (6-10, 6th yr) - 12 H. Armstrong (6-11, 4th yr)
Armstrong is likely starter until Emeka Okafor is fully healthy

SPURS RESERVES

8 Roger Mason Jr., 6-5, 6th yr
20 Manu Ginobili, G, 6-6, 8th yr
3 George Hill, G, 6-2, 2nd yr
34 A. McDyess, C/F, 6-10, 15th yr
45 DeJuan Blair, F, 6-7, 1st yr
10 Keith Bogans, G/F, 6-5, 7th yr
42 Theo Ratliff, F/C, 6-10, 15th yr
1 Malik Hairston, G/F, 6-6, 2nd yr
28 Ian Mahinmi, F/C, 6-11, 2rd yr
22 Marcus Haislip, F, 6-10, 4th yr

HORNETS RESERVES

6 Bobby Brown, G, 6-2, 2nd yr
23 Devin Brown, G, 6-5, 8th yr
2 Darren Collison, G, 6-0, 1st yr
1 Ike Diogu, F, 6-9, 5th yr
4 Sean Marks, F/C, 6-10, 10th yr
41 James Posey, F, 6-8, 11th yr
9 Darius Songaila, F, 6-9, 7th yr
16 Peja Stojakovic, F, 6-10, 12th yr
5 Marcus Thornton, G, 6-4, 1st yr
50 Emeka Okafor, C, 6-10, 6th yr

COACHES
Spurs: Gregg Popovich
Hornets: Byron Scott

INJURIES

Spurs: None.
Hornets: Emeka Okafor (sprained toe) is probable.

PROJECTED INACTIVE PLAYERS

Spurs: Mahinmi, Hairston, Haislip
Hornets: Brown, Marks, Diogu

NOTABLE

Spurs lost last season's opener for first time since Duncan joined team in 1997 ... New Hornets center Emeka Okafor did not play a minute in preseason because of a sprained toe, but has declared himself healthy enough to suit up for tonight's game ... Tonight's regular season opener is Spurs' first home-to-road back-to-back set of the season, with a game in Chicago on Thursday night ... Spurs play three games in four nights to open season, with third game, against Kings, on Saturday at AT&T Center.

- Mike Monroe

*********************

Preview: Spurs vs. Hornets Slideshow

http://www.mysanantonio.com/slideshows/Preview_Spurs_vs_Hornets.html?c=y&page=1

[iilluzioN]

Emeka Okafor is starting.......

[shelshor]

Referee Assignments
Wed. Oct. 28
New Orleans @ San Antonio: Derrick Stafford, David Guthrie, David Jones

[duncan228]

Nice to see you shelshor. The preview thread isn't complete without you. :)

[TDMVPDPOY]

so whose goin to start a fire pop thread, j ust in case we get the L for the opener? :(

[Mel_13]

http://www.48minutesofhell.com/2009/10/28/if-you-havent-heard/#more-5083

If you haven’t heard…

… there’s a game tonight. Which means two things:

1. Come back at 7 Central for a liveblog co-hosted with Hornets 24/7.
2. Pre-game notes.

So… The Hornets most substantial offseason move was trading Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor. I think there are arguments to be made either way as to whether the move is a step forward or backward for New Orleans, but I believe rather unequivocally that it benefits us.

When NOLA’s on offense, the West/Okafor duo will be quite the four-five punch in the paint, but I’m confident Duncan and McDyess can hold their own. I’m not one to be overly concerned about our defense around the rim, mostly because Popovich is so concerned about it.

But the real effects of the Chandler-Okafor trade are going to be felt when we’ve got the ball. Chandler did as good a job defending Duncan as pretty much anyone in the Association.

His absence will be palpable. Aside from the Duncan/Okafor match-up, I’ve got my eyes on Chris Paul and, more importantly, who we’ve got guarding Chris Paul. I see no reason as to why we won’t start the game with Parker covering Paul, but I’m more intrigued to see how Hill handles CP3 while they’re both on the floor. Paul is right up there alongside James and Bryant as one of the toughest covers in the league, and he’ll serve as a fitting challenge to our budding young stopper.

Spurs-Hornets is always exciting. I just love the way these two teams match up against each other and could go on for a while about the minutiae of this game. But alas, the season opener and the Spurs annual trip to the Second City fall on what is easily the busiest week I’ve had since entering graduate school. So I’m saving the rest of my thoughts for the next time we face New Orleans. Enjoy the game. And if you have a chance to swing back by and join us for the liveblog.

[Spurs Brazil]

Mike Monroe discusses the team's first three games of the 2009-2010 season

http://www.mysanantonio.com/videos/66795337.html

[siraulo23]

http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2009/10/28/nbae_spurs_preview.nba/

NBA access Spurs
I dont think it has been posted yet

[tp2021]

Usually I hate the really good players on other teams because of how good they are, but I will acknowledge it. "I hate Kobe, but goddamnit he's fucking good"

I have a real hard time saying nice things about CP3 on the court. He's such a douchebag. I'd like to see him pull his shit when there aren't fans or refs watching.

[HarlemHeat37]

Paul is a bitch on the court, but he's a much more likable guy than Kobe..Kobe is on the same level as guys like OJ Simpson and Michael Vick, while a guy like Chris Paul should be hated in the same way as a Pau Gasol..

[Spursmania]

Spurs at the buzzer???

Don't think so. Spurs will win this thing by 5-9 points.

[Spursmania]

so whose goin to start a fire pop thread, j ust in case we get the L for the opener? :(

Ducks:lol

[Mavs<Spurs]

Finely starting another year ? and Bonner ?

oh noes !

Pop's got to get over his man crush upon Finely and not start one for Bonner.

:wow

[Mavs<Spurs]

Tony, Tim and Manu are more or less healthy ?