Gentlemen, time for your Spurs vs. Suns series predicitons

[in2deep]

Spurs in 6.

:flag:

[Shastafarian]

All I know is if somehow the Spurs lose I'm not watching the WCF. Lakers vs Suns? :vomit:

[Dex]

The rest of the NBA better cheer for the Spurs, because I seriously can't see the Suns putting up much of a threat to the Lakers.

Spurs in 6.

[dbestpro]

Spurs in 5.

[PDXSpursFan]

Spurs in 5.

[z0sa]

Spurs in 5 is what my heart tells me, Spurs in 6 what my brain advises.

[sa_butta]

Spurs in 6.

[urunobili]

Suns in 6 :depressed

[Supergirl]

Spurs in 6. Probably same pattern as against the Mavs - steal 1 on the road, win both at home, lose game 5, win game 6. Possibly a 2-2, 1-1 pattern.

keys to the Suns series are:
Defending Nash and keeping him from getting other people involved, which slows the Suns down. This is where the Spurs excel against the Suns.

Keeping Timmy and Dice out of foul trouble, because that's the only thing that can prevent TD from having some big games against the Suns. They can't guard him - they don't have anyone even half as capable as Haywood, who actually made TD work.

Manu, Tony, and Hill must drive into the lane early and often.

Defend 3 pt shooters and don't turn the ball over.

All these things are things the Spurs can do and did well in the Mavs series. And I think it will be easier in this series. It doesn't mean this series will be easy, but it will be easier than the Mavs.

[nkdlunch]

Spurs in 5

[Arrowch4]

Spurs in 6.

:flag:

[Spurologist]

I was just about to post the same thread :tu

Spurs in 6

[stéphane]

I'd go with Spurs in 5. We're into their two best players heads and with Nash bothered by his hip and some really good matchup at some positions, I really hope we earn a quick but hard fought ticket so we can get some rest before the WCF.

[TIMMYD!]

Spurs in 6

[BanditHiro]

spurs in 5

[EmptyMan]

Spurs in 4

[TampaDude]

Spurs in 6. Book it.

[DocDoc]

Suns in 7.

[boutons_deux]

Spurs in 6, very similar to first round.

Spurs get the split in PHX, etc, etc.

[SpursTillTheEnd]

spurs in 6 look for blair to put up monster numbers

[BigJoeD]

It's gonna be a dog fight, but I have to say Spurs in 6

[Seventyniner]

Spurs in 7. Give 'em hope, then crush it.

[manu the best]

Suns in 7.

.. somethings wrong with you man .. go to the doctor ..

[Spurs Brazil]

Spurs in 5

[Giuseppe]

Good thread. I hand checked every asshole and sans a couple a screwballs yer all peaches.

Take your time, do it good.

Love & kisses,

- Cubby

[Mr.Robinson]

Spurs in 5.

This. I believe Nash is hurt.

[coopdogg3]

My mind says Spurs in 6
My heart says Spurs in 4

Official prediction: Spurs in 5

[Typical London Boy]

I'm not sharing the optimism, unfortunately. We've a 1-2 regular season record against them, and Suns averaged 112.6 points in those three games.

I just can't see us knocking in the required 100+ points four times in this best-of-seven. Sadly, I'm going for a 4-2 Suns win.

[Death In June]

Spurs in 5.

[sonic21]

Spurs in 6.

Spurs win game 1, 3, 5 and 6

[timvpimp]

Good thread. I hand checked every asshole and sans a couple a screwballs yer all peaches.

Take your time, do it good.

Love & kisses,

- Cubby

merda ^

tee, hee

[Darkwaters]

Spurs in 6 - similar to rd 1

[spursmike.]

Spurs in 5

[raywessels]

Spurs in 4 Manu and blair destroy them in the paint!:flag:

[DBMethos]

If Lopez plays, Spurs in 6.
If not, Spurs sweep.

[BillMc]

Spurs in 5.

(Of course, this was my 6 hundred and sixty-sixth post. Bad omen? If it's the "Number of the Beast" I hope it means a good series for Blair!)

[emanueldavidginobili]

The only downside is lopez is playing and he created some promblems for Timmy and the spurs blocking alot of shots. But spurs in 6

[bigbendbruisebrother]

Spurs in 4 Manu and blair destroy them in the paint!:flag:

Concur.

Get out the brooms. Spurs in 4.

[SpursNextRomanEmpire]

Spurs in 5. Do you think Blair will get more playing time?

[Warlord23]

This is a very familiar time of the year. Looking back at past playoff matchups, Suns fans have always thought "this is the year" when it comes to playing us. Since 2005, Suns fans have always thought that their "new guys" will help them get over the hump.

In 2007, they touted Kurt Thomas as their Duncan-stopper and Raja Bell as their backcourt x-factor. In 2008, it was Shaq in the frontcourt and Grant Hill shutting down Tony Parker. This time, it's Robin Lopez defending the paint and J-Rich gunning from deep. The faces keep changing, but the story remains the same.

Alvin Gentry is better than D'Antoni in that he doesn't advocate bad shots early in the shot clock (the seven seconds or less crap), but he has no new strategy in halfcourt sets compared to what D'antoni had. Pop will let Amare get his and shut their shooters down. Plus, Dice is better than other C/PF defenders we've thrown at Amare in the past. OTOH, they have never had the horses to stop Parker or Manu from waltzing into the lane off the pick and roll. This time, it will be a 3-headed monster of Parker/Manu/Hill.

If Duncan and Manu have off nights, Spurs in 6. If Duncan and Manu score with consistency, Spurs in 5.

[bresilhac]

This is a very familiar time of the year. Looking back at past playoff matchups, Suns fans have always thought "this is the year" when it comes to playing us. Since 2005, Suns fans have always thought that their "new guys" will help them get over the hump.

In 2007, they touted Kurt Thomas as their Duncan-stopper and Raja Bell as their backcourt x-factor. In 2008, it was Shaq in the frontcourt and Grant Hill shutting down Tony Parker. This time, it's Robin Lopez defending the paint and J-Rich gunning from deep. The faces keep changing, but the story remains the same.

Alvin Gentry is better than D'Antoni in that he doesn't advocate bad shots early in the shot clock (the seven seconds or less crap), but he has no new strategy in halfcourt sets compared to what D'antoni had. Pop will let Amare get his and shut their shooters down. Plus, Dice is better than other C/PF defenders we've thrown at Amare in the past. OTOH, they have never had the horses to stop Parker or Manu from waltzing into the lane off the pick and roll. This time, it will be a 3-headed monster of Parker/Manu/Hill.

If Duncan and Manu have off nights, Spurs in 6. If Duncan and Manu score with consistency, Spurs in 5.

And don't forget about 2005 either when San Antonio ripped the throats out of the Suns by going into Phoenix and taking the first two games of that series on their way to the Championship. I believe entirely that the Spurs can duplicate that feat in 2010. But getting at least one in Phoenix out of these first two games will spell doom for the Suns. It would be a mistake that the Suns would not be able to recover from.

Spurs in 6.

[da_suns_fan]

Suns in 6 is what my mind tells me.

Suns in 5 might be what actually happens.

Suns will blow out the Spurs in games one and two and probably take game 3 as well.

[Xylus]

Spurs in 6.

I was hoping we'd avoid the Spurs in the playoffs this year. I'd rather be playing the Lakers.

[TampaDude]

Spurs in 6, very similar to first round.

Spurs get the split in PHX, etc, etc.

Yup...I see the exact same series for the Spurs...LWWWLW.

[ceperez]

Absolutely no possibility for a game 7.

Likely 4-2 or 4-1.

I don't think we can sweep them simply because the team will likely throw away another game to rest. :-(

[Darkwaters]

Spurs in 6.

I was hoping we'd avoid the Spurs in the playoffs this year. I'd rather be playing the Lakers.

Well, if nothing else it should be entertaining. Heres to a good show :toast

[Brox6]

i love to see Spurs in 5
but i think it will be Spurs in 6

[silverblk mystix]

WTF is a predicitons????

oh...maybe spurs vs. suns predictions?

spurs in 6

[ffadicted]

GM1: Spurs
GM2: Suns
GM3: Spurs
GM4: Spurs
GM5: Suns
GM6: Spurs

[CP48107]

I am hoping the spurs in 4, but I am nervous about this match up. Spurs can very well be swept by the Sun. Everytime I think about these 3-pt shooters they have (Frye, Richardson, Dudley), it makes me tremble. On top of that, you still have Nash & Stoudemire playing at the top of their game. Can anybody please help me to calm down by telling me how we are going to match up with the Suns?

[SpurAddict561]

Is Robin Lopez back?

also who the fuck is guarding Timmy?

Hopefully not Amare, for the Suns sake...wow foul trouble galore

[boutons_deux]

Same as vs Mavs, 1-1, 3-1, 3-2, 4-2.

[Bukefal]

Spurs in 5 :flag:

[silverblackfan]

Spurs in 5. Especially if Nash is hurt. Might go to 6, but hoping for 5 for the extra rest.

[TheManFromAcme]

Spurs in 6. No answer for Manu.

[SpurOutofTownFan]

Spurs in 5 is what my heart tells me, Spurs in 6 what my brain advises.

this

[SpurOutofTownFan]

the spurs could very well lose though. We will know right after game 1 what the match ups are

[kuato]

Manu with 44 in game 1 , spurs in 6

[sananspursfan21]

spurs in 5. for some strange reason, i don't feel like phoenix belongs in the 3rd seed. they seem a little overrated too

[YoMamaIsCallin]

Lopez is either out, or if he comes back, he'll be like 50%. That means the Suns literally have no one to guard Duncan, Blair, and McDyess. I can't see the Suns winning this.

I agree with the masses here who feel it'll be Spurs in 6. The Suns will get hot 3-point shooting for a couple of games and win those, at home.

I think the big question for Popovich is: start Tony Parker or not?

The backdrop to this is that Popovich finally found a starting five that worked: Hill/Ginobili/Jefferson/McDyess/Duncan. So when Parker came back from his hand injury, he put Parker on the 2nd unit, filling Ginobili's old role. That actually seems to be working well, against all odds. However, Parker has had great success against Steve Nash in the last couple of years, to the point where the Suns don't even try to put him on Parker any more.

Which leads to the question: would you rather put Parker in the starting lineup and slide Hill to the 2 guard, moving Ginobili to the 2nd unit, to take advantage of the Parker/Nash matchup... or would you rather keep your chemistry going, let Hill defend Nash (which he will do much better than Parker would), and let Parker ignite the 2nd unit?

If I were Popovich I would keep things the way they are and not mess with the chemistry. But we'll see. He may pull something completely different out of his posterior as he is wont to do.

[word]

Suns in 8. Maybe 9.

[da_suns_fan]

.

[da_suns_fan]

Spurs in 6. No answer for Manu.

Totally...i mean he had 42 points the other night!

Oh wait...that was Richardson. :(

Well Ginobili shot lights out and averaged 24 a game last series.

Oh wait..that was Richardson again. :(

Well Ginobili played awesome against the Suns this year!

Oh wait...he shot 34% in three games :(

[legend of united]

Spurs in 6

[ohmwrecker]

Spurs in 6. They could do it in 5, but they won't.

[ThePop]

Spurs in 6

[TD 21]

Spurs in six. But I don't feel as confident in saying this as I did in the Mavs series.

Duncan and Parker have always destroyed the Suns. But a lot of the Spurs offense, since their turnaround, has come from Ginobili and Hill. On the one hand, they probably don't want to change what's working, but on the other, you have to adjust based on the opponent. As ever, Duncan and Parker have favorable match-ups. Collins is too slow and Frye too weak to adequately defend Duncan, while Nash and Dragic are too slow to keep up with Parker.

The Spurs probably have to take game one. Coming off of three days rest, this will likely be the most spry Duncan, McDyess and Ginobili look in this series. The Spurs have to take advantage of this, instantly steal home court, then in game two they can accept being blown out, keep the minutes down and rest up to win out at home. If they take care of games three and four, game five, like two would be if they win one, would become another throwaway game. With this series being every other day until game seven, that's how the Spurs will have to win it. If they have to have their key veterans play extended minutes and lose in a game, that could easily be costly.

[iminol]

Spurs in 6

G1 Suns
G2 Spurs
G3 Suns
G4 Spurs
G5 Spurs
G6 Spurs

[Charles Sappa]

Spurs in 6.

[m33p0]

we win, they lose.

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Spurs in 7...

We don't match up well with them, and they have home court, although we do have the psychological edge that comes with beating them repeatedly in the playoffs.

I really think this one will go with the home court, and then we'll break their heart as usual in the last five minutes of game 7 to meet the Fakers in the WCFs.

[FilSpursFan]

Spurs in 7

[Leetonidas]

Spurs in 5, you heard it here first. Grant Hill is the "savior" who is supposed to check Parker/GH3...please, those two are gonna have a field day ramming it up Nash's ass. No one can stop Manu either, and I actually think Bogans could be useful in the series to check Richardson if he gets hot. Sun fan is counting on Lopez to lock down Duncan but they are seriously delusional if they think a playoff rookie, second-year big man coming back from injury is gonna lock down the GOAT PF.

Like I said, Spurs in 5.

[Leetonidas]

Totally...i mean he had 42 points the other night!

Oh wait...that was Richardson. :(

Well Ginobili shot lights out and averaged 24 a game last series.

Oh wait..that was Richardson again. :(

Well Ginobili played awesome against the Suns this year!

Oh wait...he shot 34% in three games :(

I think the Mavs beat the Spurs 3-1 in the regular season too, so who gives a fuck.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

I've been trying to convince myself since Thursday Phoenix can and will win but I can't see it happening. I don't feel like picking the Spurs and then being an, "I TOLD YOU SO!" douche bag because the Suns have surpassed expectations regardless this year, so all I'll say is:

The winner of game 1, wins the series :lol

[EmptyMan]

It's funny going to azsportsfan and seeing those gentlemen relying on regular season victories again.

They will never learn.

[Fernando TD21]

Spurs in 6, but I don't think it will be easy.

[DUNCANownsKOBE2]

Idk why you expect any sort of intelligent thought from azsportsfan.com.

The best site is planetorange.net, where every season is a championship season.

[spursrocks]

spurs in 6.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Suns in 6

I hope I'm wrong though.

[Rummpd]

Suns in 6

I hope I'm wrong though.

Based on what - Parker, Hill and Manu going to drive with impunity all series long - Spurs in 6 at most.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Based on what - Parker, Hill and Manu going to drive with impunity all series long - Spurs in 6 at most.

Based on Manu's nose, Duncan's inability to get going offensively and their periods of getting cold and not being able to effectively play transition defense. Plus the Suns may just be due for a series win over the Spurs.

Like I said, I hope I'm wrong but that's just my opinion.

[Spursmania]

Totally...i mean he had 42 points the other night!

Oh wait...that was Richardson. :(

Well Ginobili shot lights out and averaged 24 a game last series.

Oh wait..that was Richardson again. :(

Well Ginobili played awesome against the Suns this year!

Oh wait...he shot 34% in three games :(

You mad?:lol

[Avitus1]

Spurs in 5.

[da_suns_fan]

You mad?:lol

Surprised.

I think theres gonna be a tremor felt though the nation when the Spurs fans from SpursTalk come crashing back down to earth Monday night.

[da_suns_fan]

Based on what - Parker, Hill and Manu going to drive with impunity all series long - Spurs in 6 at most.

This is what Im talking about. Gotta love Texas homerism.

Since you ask, based on the fact the Suns had no problems scoring on the SPurs this year, theyre playing better than the Spurs are right now and have home court advantage. No Bruce Bowen means the Suns are gonna get any shot they want.

[m33p0]

Based on Manu's nose, Duncan's inability to get going offensively and their periods of getting cold and not being able to effectively play transition defense. Plus the Suns may just be due for a series win over the Spurs.

Like I said, I hope I'm wrong but that's just my opinion.

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:IN8Sg8pRC4PyjM::static.squidoo.com/resize/squidoo_images/-1/draft_lens1732916module13477165photo_1232069604Wil liam_Munny_1&t=1&h=275&w=184&usg=__WqVLtVSRqvP4PVcxOWfKoaAeAjo=
Deserves got nothing to do with it.

[Dr. Gonzo]

I didn't say deserve. I said they may just be due. Even the sun shines on a dog's ass some days.

[Spursmania]

This is what Im talking about. Gotta love Texas homerism.

Since you ask, based on the fact the Suns had no problems scoring on the SPurs this year, theyre playing better than the Spurs are right now and have home court advantage. No Bruce Bowen means the Suns are gonna get any shot they want.

Then you ought to be in Vegas making your bets.

I, for one think it will be a tough series but I'm not ready to annoint the Suns the winner. They still have to go out there and take it from us. Good Luck Son.

[4001 STEREO SPUR]

Spurs in 5

:flag: :flag: :flag: :lobt2:

[reddog 99]

Spurs in 7

that is the toughest, so lets go with it.....

GO SPURS GO

[TD 21]

Spurs in 7...

We don't match up well with them, and they have home court, although we do have the psychological edge that comes with beating them repeatedly in the playoffs.

I really think this one will go with the home court, and then we'll break their heart as usual in the last five minutes of game 7 to meet the Fakers in the WCFs.

I know you picked the Spurs, but I'm so sick of this defeatist attitude. It seems people say this about just about any good team the Spurs play. If the Spurs don't match-up well with the Suns, who do they match-up well with? Other than Stoudemire, who scores at will on just about anybody, who don't the Spurs match-up well with? Seems to me like they match-up very well with the Suns. It's the Suns who have never (and still don't) match-up well with the Spurs.

And home court? Are you serious? When teams are this close and you've got one team that has repeatedly beaten the other on their home court in the playoffs, that's irrelevant. Let me as you this: Out of good teams, is there one you'd rather see the Spurs play a game seven on the road against? Honestly, Phoenix is the place I'd feel most confident in the Spurs winning in.

If Nash is slowed at all by his hip in this series, the Suns are done. I don't care how well they're playing, or how deep they are, or if they're more committed to defense than ever. None of that will matter.

[peskypesky]

Spurs in 6! :flag:

Suns just got past a team that was missing BOTH of it's centers. With Robin Lopez out, they are short-handed in the post. I think that's their Achilles heel.


:lobt::lobt::lobt2::lobt::lobt:

[mudyez]

a poll would have been nice...

Spurs in 6 (stealing one in Phoenix and winning the rest at home...just like vs. Dallas)

[TD 21]

The Spurs need to absolutely clobber Nash when he comes into the lane. Lay him out one time and if he falls awkwardly on that hip he might be, if not done for, at least greatly diminished physically for the remainder of the series. That right there would all but guarantee that the Spurs would advance.

[Jeremy]

Spurs in 6! :flag:

Suns just got past a team that was missing BOTH of it's centers. With Robin Lopez out, they are short-handed in the post. I think that's their Achilles heel.


:lobt::lobt::lobt2::lobt::lobt:

Lopez should be back somewhere around Games 1 to 3. He's not missing this series, when his only problem now is conditioning.

[Shaolin-Style]

spurs in 4

[phyzik]

Spurs win the first game, its done in 5

Otherwise, Spurs in 6

No way Phoenix wins this series, we are deeper in their heads than we EVER where with Dallas, or any other team.

We got this shit.

(hope I dont have to eat my words later :lol).

[m33p0]

if spurs take game 1, this thing will be over in a hurry.

[milkyway21]

If the news today is true that Nash is suffering from a sore hip, Spurs in 5.

The Spurs lost (again) their 1st playoff game this yr, learned their lesson now they're more pumped up

[greyforest]

spurs in 3. the suns will literally give up playing basketball and the franchise will dissolve.

[SenorSpur]

Lopez is either out, or if he comes back, he'll be like 50%. That means the Suns literally have no one to guard Duncan, Blair, and McDyess. I can't see the Suns winning this.

http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2010/4/30/1452950/suns-sources-robin-lopez-doubtful

Suns Sources: Robin Lopez Doubtful for Spurs Series

Sources within the Suns organization confirmed this telling Bright Side of the Sun that Robin's progress has been steady but not leaps and bounds and the Suns are thinking of the big picture and want what's best for Lopez long-term.

If Robin does come back it will only be when he's fully healed. Right now the team is focused on strengthening his right leg to avoid re-injury due to over compensating.

Without Lopez to guard Tim Duncan in the post, the Suns will likely have to rely on more double teams and hope that their defense, which was active and rotated well against the Portland Trail Blazers, can continue to perform without the big man in the middle.

The Suns were a top level rebounding team with Robin in the starting line-up but still managed to beat Portland on the glass by 21 rebounds in the first round without him.

[SenorSpur]

Spurs in 6

[Brazil]

I'll go with Spurs in 6.

The suns are a very solid team this year, they are under the radar and they will enter in this serie with a more solid defense than the other years. Nash is playing well, Amare improved his game.

What I like about this serie for the spurs is if RJ / Hill keep on delivering, TP will contribute by his assists, clutch plays and improved D. If both struggle a little, TP can take over against the suns Offensively.

The crucial Pop decision will be start TP or Hill. IMO TP woud do more damage against Nash than against Dragic, on the other hand I think Hill is better against Dragic than Nash. Nevertheless hard to change what worked for the dallas serie. I can see Pop beginning with the same lineups he used against the mavs and adjust if needed by starting TP .

[Michi_Germany]

Spurs in 6

[shelshor]

Spurs in 6

[ATXSPUR]

Spurs in 6 sounds reasonable. It plays out similar to the Dallas series I think. spurs take one of the first two in Phoenix, and never lose a home game.

I'd really like to get two in Phoenix though.

[Kamnik]

Spurs in 5 or 6...

I will try to be optimistic and say Spurs in 5.

[Mavs<Spurs]

Spurs in 6 sounds reasonable. It plays out similar to the Dallas series I think. spurs take one of the first two in Phoenix, and never lose a home game.

I'd really like to get two in Phoenix though.

This.

Two things make this a more dangerous series than in the past: (1) Phoenix is a better defensive team this year (2) Spurs don't have the great 3 point shooting that we have had in the past.

However, George Hill will make life miserable for the Suns. Spurs defend the 3 very well. Spurs defense is vastly superior. Timmy will have a number of big games against the Suns (and 2 bad to mediocre ones). The Spurs now are extremely dangerous on fastbreaks with Richard Jefferson, George Hill, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. We don't fastbreak for jumpshots which is what kills so many teams when they play the Suns.

I agree with the consensus: Spurs in 6. Spurs get at least 1 of 2 in Phoenix, win both their home games, Phoenix wins game 5 (possibly easily), and Spurs close it out at home in game 6.

[TJastal]

This thing is going the full 7 games IMO...suns are deeper than the spurs but when it comes down to the last game (in Phoenix) I still believe in the big 3 to close it out.

Spurs in 7.

[Thompson]

I want to say Spurs in 5, but I'm probably being too optimistic so I'll say Spurs in 6.

[Kuestmaster]

spurs in 5

[Cry Havoc]

Trying to pull a TimVP here....

I think the Spurs take game 1. We played a much tougher series than the Suns did against the Blazers, thus our level of play is higher right now. 3 days of rest will see Manu in full attack mode, and the Spurs will win by 7-10 points.

Game 2 will be won handily by the Suns, as they adjust and have a surging home crowd in their favor. I see a ~15 point Suns victory.

Game 3 will be dominated by the Spurs as the Suns struggle against San Antonio's suffocating home defense and our boys are hot from 3 for a change. Spurs win going away.

Game 4 will be the closest game of the series. It will be an epic battle that might go to OT. Either team can pull this out. I'm going to say the Suns even the series at 2-2 with a huge performance by Nash.

Game 5 is the surprise of the series, as the Spurs head back to Phoenix and beat them yet again on their home floor. Duncan cleans up in the block and finishes with 22-14 to go with 2 blocks. Parker comes alive in this game and lights up the Suns for 28 points as the Spurs win a closely contested battle by 6 points, but lead most of the way.

Game 6 is the closeout for the Spurs, as they again knock the Suns out of the playoffs and move to the WCF.

Expectations:

DeJuan Blair will have one or two huge games of 8+ rebounds and will again be an absolute freak in the PER department.

Manu will erupt for at least 30 points in one game of the series.

Parker will (again) remind Spurs fans that he's one of the best point guards in basketball, and average 18 points and 6 assists in slightly limited minutes.

George Hill will perform well but not quite as lights out as he was in the Dallas series.

Dice is going to be absolutely HUGE again for us, as the Suns have no one to answer for his jumper and his defense will be lockdown.

Total pushups by Amare: 0

Total times Steve Nash crumples to the court: 1

Maximum effort given by the Suns on defense (avg): 30%.

I like this series for the Spurs. I think we could actually take it in 5, but J Rich getting hot is inevitable in at least a game or two.

[Xylus]

Trying to pull a TimVP here....

I think the Spurs take game 1. We played a much tougher series than the Suns did against the Blazers, thus our level of play is higher right now. 3 days of rest will see Manu in full attack mode, and the Spurs will win by 7-10 points.

Game 2 will be won handily by the Suns, as they adjust and have a surging home crowd in their favor. I see a ~15 point Suns victory.

Game 3 will be dominated by the Spurs as the Suns struggle against San Antonio's suffocating home defense and our boys are hot from 3 for a change. Spurs win going away.

Game 4 will be the closest game of the series. It will be an epic battle that might go to OT. Either team can pull this out. I'm going to say the Suns even the series at 2-2 with a huge performance by Nash.

Game 5 is the surprise of the series, as the Spurs head back to Phoenix and beat them yet again on their home floor. Duncan cleans up in the block and finishes with 22-14 to go with 2 blocks. Parker comes alive in this game and lights up the Suns for 28 points as the Spurs win a closely contested battle by 6 points, but lead most of the way.

Game 6 is the closeout for the Spurs, as they again knock the Suns out of the playoffs and move to the WCF.

So you're saying this will be an exact repeat of the '06-'07 series, minus the suspensions.

[Goran Dragic]

Trying to pull a TimVP here....

I think the Spurs take game 1. We played a much tougher series than the Suns did against the Blazers, thus our level of play is higher right now. 3 days of rest will see Manu in full attack mode, and the Spurs will win by 7-10 points.

Game 2 will be won handily by the Suns, as they adjust and have a surging home crowd in their favor. I see a ~15 point Suns victory.

Game 3 will be dominated by the Spurs as the Suns struggle against San Antonio's suffocating home defense and our boys are hot from 3 for a change. Spurs win going away.

Game 4 will be the closest game of the series. It will be an epic battle that might go to OT. Either team can pull this out. I'm going to say the Suns even the series at 2-2 with a huge performance by Nash.

Game 5 is the surprise of the series, as the Spurs head back to Phoenix and beat them yet again on their home floor. Duncan cleans up in the block and finishes with 22-14 to go with 2 blocks. Parker comes alive in this game and lights up the Suns for 28 points as the Spurs win a closely contested battle by 6 points, but lead most of the way.

Game 6 is the closeout for the Spurs, as they again knock the Suns out of the playoffs and move to the WCF.

Expectations:

DeJuan Blair will have one or two huge games of 8+ rebounds and will again be an absolute freak in the PER department.

Manu will erupt for at least 30 points in one game of the series.

Parker will (again) remind Spurs fans that he's one of the best point guards in basketball, and average 18 points and 6 assists in slightly limited minutes.

George Hill will perform well but not quite as lights out as he was in the Dallas series.

Dice is going to be absolutely HUGE again for us, as the Suns have no one to answer for his jumper and his defense will be lockdown.

Total pushups by Amare: 0

Total times Steve Nash crumples to the court: 1

Maximum effort given by the Suns on defense (avg): 30%.

I like this series for the Spurs. I think we could actually take it in 5, but J Rich getting hot is inevitable in at least a game or two.


:lmao there's so much homerism in this post it's not even funny (actually it is)

The Suns have no one to answer McDyess' jumper? Jeez, i didn't know a wide open jumper created by someone else is such a hard shot to defend.

18 points and 6 assists is "one of the best PG's in basketball" :lmao

[Cry Havoc]

:lmao there's so much homerism in this post it's not even funny (actually it is)

The Suns have no one to answer McDyess' jumper? Jeez, i didn't know a wide open jumper created by someone else is such a hard shot to defend.

18 points and 6 assists is "one of the best PG's in basketball" :lmao

I can't wait to see the Spurs kick your ass, and Dice stick about 5 of those Js in your teams face. It's definitely a weapon when Amare won't play defense outside of 10 feet of the hoop.

18 points and 6 assists in LIMITED MINUTES (~25) is something few other PGs could do. So suck on it. I can see why you're bitter though. It must suck to have a PG who has never heard of playing even average defense. :lol

[emanueldavidginobili]

Spurs in 5 or 6 I can't see the suns covering us they have no shot blocking and they have no one compared to damp and Haywood in the defensive post, honestly whoes going to stop Tony Manu George and Richard slashing to the hoop? And whoes going to stop Tim? Tim got tires because Haywood and damp were physical...the suns are soft.

[bigfan]

I think this one goes all the way, Spurs in 7.

[rascal]

Spurs in 6. Dallas is better than Phoenix. Spurs will make it all the way to the WCF and get knocked out like usual to the Lakers.

[Jeremy]

http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2010/4/30/1452950/suns-sources-robin-lopez-doubtful

Suns Sources: Robin Lopez Doubtful for Spurs Series

Sources within the Suns organization confirmed this telling Bright Side of the Sun that Robin's progress has been steady but not leaps and bounds and the Suns are thinking of the big picture and want what's best for Lopez long-term.

If Robin does come back it will only be when he's fully healed. Right now the team is focused on strengthening his right leg to avoid re-injury due to over compensating.

Without Lopez to guard Tim Duncan in the post, the Suns will likely have to rely on more double teams and hope that their defense, which was active and rotated well against the Portland Trail Blazers, can continue to perform without the big man in the middle.

The Suns were a top level rebounding team with Robin in the starting line-up but still managed to beat Portland on the glass by 21 rebounds in the first round without him.

Again, that is another unrealistic article. The Suns are simply trying to remove all pressure from Lopez.

Here is the latest, accurate, update on Lopez: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2010/05/02/20100502phoenix-suns-robin-lopez-injury-update-game-1-san-antonio-spurs.html

[PeterBurns]

trying to pull a timvp here....

I think the spurs take game 1. We played a much tougher series than the suns did against the blazers, thus our level of play is higher right now. 3 days of rest will see manu in full attack mode, and the spurs will win by 7-10 points.

Game 2 will be won handily by the suns, as they adjust and have a surging home crowd in their favor. I see a ~15 point suns victory.

Game 3 will be dominated by the spurs as the suns struggle against san antonio's suffocating home defense and our boys are hot from 3 for a change. Spurs win going away.

Game 4 will be the closest game of the series. It will be an epic battle that might go to ot. Either team can pull this out. I'm going to say the suns even the series at 2-2 with a huge performance by nash.

Game 5 is the surprise of the series, as the spurs head back to phoenix and beat them yet again on their home floor. Duncan cleans up in the block and finishes with 22-14 to go with 2 blocks. Parker comes alive in this game and lights up the suns for 28 points as the spurs win a closely contested battle by 6 points, but lead most of the way.

Game 6 is the closeout for the spurs, as they again knock the suns out of the playoffs and move to the wcf.

Expectations:

Dejuan blair will have one or two huge games of 8+ rebounds and will again be an absolute freak in the per department.

Manu will erupt for at least 30 points in one game of the series.

Parker will (again) remind spurs fans that he's one of the best point guards in basketball, and average 18 points and 6 assists in slightly limited minutes.

George hill will perform well but not quite as lights out as he was in the dallas series.

Dice is going to be absolutely huge again for us, as the suns have no one to answer for his jumper and his defense will be lockdown.

Total pushups by amare: 0

total times steve nash crumples to the court: 1

maximum effort given by the suns on defense (avg): 30%.

I like this series for the spurs. I think we could actually take it in 5, but j rich getting hot is inevitable in at least a game or two.

+1

[superbigtime]

Spurs in 6. Need to win one on the road obviously and I think game 1 is hugely important.

[Spursfan092120]

Spurs in 6..

http://z.about.com/d/politicalhumor/1/0/R/n/2/bush-booyah.jpg

[Sisk]

My mind says Spurs in 6
My heart says Spurs in 4

Official prediction: Spurs in 5

if you didn't go with your mind or heart.. what'd you go with?

Spurs in 6.

[TD 21]

Spurs in 6. Need to win one on the road obviously and I think game 1 is hugely important.

It is. There's a good chance that game one is the game Duncan, McDyess and Ginobili are most spry, Nash is still bothered by his hip injury and Lopez doesn't play. If the Spurs can pull out game one, then game two becomes a throwaway game. Meaning obviously you come in with the mindset to win, but if the Suns predictably jump out to a big lead and it looks bleak at best, then you keep the top six players minutes down so that they end up basically having a half a night off and have as much energy as possible going into games three and four. Then if the Spurs win both of those, game five becomes another throwaway game and then they can go all out to wrap it up in six.

I know it's easier said than done and I'm getting way ahead of myself, but if they're going to win this series, it's going to be done in, if not exact, at least similar fashion.

This is the type of formula this team is going to have to follow in the playoffs for the duration of the Duncan era. Because three of their top six are on the wrong side of 30, even though it's the playoffs, the Spurs can't attempt to win every game at all costs. The worst possible result is one in which they lose and have to play those players extended minutes. One or the other is generally fine, but both could easily be costly, because of the potential carry over effect.

[KaiRMD1]

Spurs, I don't care in how many games, Spurs

[SpurCharger]

Imma Say Spurs in 5 or 6..... Depends on Nash's Health....

[LoneStarState'sPride]

Spurs in 6.

[jiggy_55]

Spurs in 6!

[Jeremy]

Suns in 5.

[Jeremy]

Suns in 5.

I've never been happier to be wrong!

Even I underestimated the Suns' hunger to beat the Spurs.