Spurs vs Celtics Previews

[duncan228]

Game is Thursday, 7:00 CST on TNT.


Boston (51-22) at San Antonio (57-17) (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/preview?gid=2011033124)
Tipoff: 8:00 pm EDT Thu Mar 31, 2011
TV: TNT Preview
By Kate Hedlin

A once comfortable lead atop the Western Conference has shrunk dramatically in the past 10 days for the injury-riddled San Antonio Spurs.

The Boston Celtics’ lead in the East is long gone and they’re not playing as if they can get it back.

One of these stumbling title contenders will get a much-needed boost Thursday night, when the Spurs looks to avoid their worst losing streak in nearly 14 years and a fifth straight home loss to the Celtics.

San Antonio (57-17) still leads the West but is struggling to hold off the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas. The Spurs had a seven-game lead over Los Angeles on March 21, but that margin has been cut in half because they’ve lost a season-high four in a row.

Tim Duncan has missed all four of the losses with a sprained ankle and the Spurs’ injury woes worsened earlier this week. They were without Tony Parker (left knee contusion), Manu Ginobili (bruised thigh) and Antonio McDyess (back) in a 100-92 loss to Portland on Monday.

“It’s life. You have to deal with it and figure out how to get better,” said George Hill, who had a team-high 27 points. “No one’s hanging their head or thinking we’re not as good as we’ve been all year.”

Parker is considered the most likely of the Spurs’ injured players to return Thursday, though McDyess also has a chance to play. Ginobili, injured in Sunday’s loss at Memphis, said he was feeling “much better” on Monday, but his status and Duncan’s are unknown.

The Spurs are at risk of losing five consecutive games for the first time since dropping their final six of the 1996-97 season.

Monday marked only their fourth loss in 37 home games this season, but the Celtics (51-22) have won their last four visits to San Antonio. The only other team not to have lost at least once in its last two regular-season games there is Utah.

When the Spurs lost 105-103 in Boston on Jan. 5, the teams had the two best records in the NBA. While San Antonio has maintained the league’s top record despite its struggles, Boston has only the fifth-best mark and has fallen behind Chicago for the East lead.

The Celtics have lost three of four and seven of 12, including a 107-100 defeat at Indiana on Monday. Boston gave up 42 points in the paint and failed to outrebound the opposition for a fourth consecutive game as it continues to play without injured big men Shaquille O’Neal and Jermaine O’Neal.

Rajon Rondo did play after missing Sunday’s game against Minnesota with a jammed finger on his right hand, finishing with 22 points and eight assists. He had averaged 5.8 points on 29.2 percent shooting in his previous eight games.

With depth a concern for Boston, fatigue could be an issue. They were outscored 26-15 in the fourth quarter Monday and by an average of 26.3 to 15.7 in their last three losses.

“We became a great team because we were known to do it for 48 minutes,” Kevin Garnett said. “We seem to be missing that right now.”

Garnett did not play against the Spurs in January, but Boston shot 61.3 percent. Ray Allen scored 31 points while Rondo had 22 assists, 12 points and 10 rebounds.

The Celtics have won six of the last eight meetings.

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Team Stat Leaders

Points
Paul Pierce Bos 18.7
Manu Ginobili SA 17.8

Rebounds
Kevin Garnett Bos 9.0
Tim Duncan SA 9.0

Assists
Rajon Rondo Bos 11.3
Tony Parker SA 6.6

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

Boston 51-22 1st Atlantic / 2nd East 96.6 90.9 Road 22-14 Lost 1 5-5
San Antonio 57-17 1st Southwest / 1st West 103.4 97.6 Home 33-4 Lost 4 5-5

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/preview?gid=2011033124

[duncan228]

The latest injury update. Hit the link for the whole piece.


Spurs ‘walking wounded’ showing improvement (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/30/spurs-walking-wounded-showing-improvement/)
Tim Griffin

..."They are getting there,” Popovich said. “We’ll just see how everybody looks tomorrow.”


...Duncan has been out for the most time since his injury early in the March 21 victory over Golden State. He has missed all of the games of his team’s recent four-game losing streak.

“He’s close,” Popovich said. “We just have to make a decision on it.”


...Parker said he could have played Monday night in an emergency situation.

“I always trust Pop and his judgment. He’s done that in the past,” Parker said. “I’m definitely going to feel fresh.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/30/spurs-walking-wounded-showing-improvement/

[duncan228]

Jermaine O'Neal's return comes just in time (http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4682313/jermaine-oneals-return-comes-just-in-time)
By Greg Payne
ESPN Boston

Celtics center Jermaine O'Neal could return to the Celtics' lineup as soon as Thursday when they take on the San Antonio Spurs, after missing the last 36 games following left knee surgery.

O'Neal's return will be welcomed by a Boston club that's thin up front due to injuries to Shaquille O'Neal and Troy Murphy. And while he may help in specific areas, O'Neal should not be expected to solve all of the Celtics' recent struggles.

It's tough to raise expectations too high for O'Neal, who has played in only 17 games this season and is coming off knee surgery, but he did show earlier in the season when he was playing through knee pain that he could impact the defensive end and the boards -- two areas where the Celtics could use some help right now.

Keep reading... (http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4682313/jermaine-oneals-return-comes-just-in-time)

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4682313/jermaine-oneals-return-comes-just-in-time

[timtonymanu]

Hopefully the whole Big 4 are ready to go.

It's been a while since I remember how a win feels.

[Mugen]

Hopefully the whole Big 4 are ready to go.

It's been a while since I remember how a win feels.

especially a win with the complete team. last one was @ Dallas.

[Budkin]

Wow we haven't lost 5 in a row in the whole TD era? Let's not set that record please.

[Strategic]

No predictions? Why is everybody so subdued? I've been predicting a Spurs win for the past week and look what a dumbass the Good Guys have made of me. I'm not going as far as saying the Spurs will win, but why in the hell not?

[Budkin]

No predictions? Why is everybody so subdued? I've been predicting a Spurs win for the past week and look what a dumbass the Good Guys have made of me. I'm not going as far as saying the Spurs will win, but why in the hell not?

If everyone is playing, we win no doubt. That crowd is going to be nuts.

[justinandimcool]

healthy we win easily

no Manu and/or Tim we lose in another entertaining one

[LakerHater]

healthy we win easily

no manu and/or tim we lose in another entertaining one
agreed!

[Fireball]

with at least 3 of the four guys back in the lineup and the crowd gehind us this game should be a W ... but its on national TV which kind of always creeps me out

[Giuseppe]

I hope the Celtics stomp a mudhole in your ass, and then proceed to walk it dry.

[Muser]

I hope the Celtics stomp a mudhole in your ass, and then proceed to walk it dry.

Now i've seen it all, Lakerfan supporting the Celtics.

You're better than that Cubby.

[Strategic]

I hope the Celtics stomp a mudhole in your ass, and then proceed to walk it dry.


Leave it to this fag to talk about holes in men's asses. He probably typed it with one hand on his pete. That's L.A.

[Fireball]

I hope the Celtics stomp a mudhole in your ass, and then proceed to walk it dry.

love Stonecold ... hate the Lakers

[Bill_Brasky]

I hope the Celtics stomp a mudhole in your ass, and then proceed to walk it dry.

But the spurs and lakers don't have a rivalry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Obstructed_View]

I hope the Celtics stomp a mudhole in your ass, and then proceed to walk it dry.

Yeah, the Spurs aren't a threat to the Lakers or anything...

[Giuseppe]

Now i've seen it all, Lakerfan supporting the Celtics.

You're better than that Cubby.

Your Fandom has driven me to it, Muse. I came here with kindness in my heart right after Odom sank those couple 3's in June of '09. I was met with nothin' but derision & abuse, though Kori at the front door in a shorty nightgown was quite endearing. Gosh.

[Bill_Brasky]

Your Fandom has driven me to it, Muse. I came here with kindness in my heart right after Odom sank those couple 3's in June of '09. I was met with nothin' but derision & abuse, though Kori at the front door in a shorty nightgown was quite endearing. Gosh.

blaming others for your problems and negative feelings is weak.

[Cane]

I got some 100 lvl tickets to this shit. Hopefully its a fun win :flag:


Now i've seen it all, Lakerfan supporting the Celtics.

You're better than that Cubby.

He's a pedo that pretends he was a Vietnam vet...I wouldn't be so sure about that :downspin:

[Giuseppe]

I got some 100 lvl tickets to this shit. Hopefully its a fun win :flag:



He's a pedo that pretends he was a Vietnam vet...I wouldn't be so sure about that :downspin:

Try this pedo stunt downstairs and I'll show you & your ma where the bear shits in the buckwheat.

[shelshor]

http://www.nba.com/news/referee.html
Referee Assignment
Thurs. Mar. 31
Boston @ San Antonio: Dan Crawford; Tony Brothers; Violet Palmer

[FromWayDowntown]

http://www.nba.com/news/referee.html
Referee Assignment
Thurs. Mar. 31
Boston @ San Antonio: Dan Crawford; Tony Brothers; Violet Palmer

The Spurs have shot under 40% from the field in 7 games this season. They are 1-6 in those games -- they somehow beat Minnesota despite being under 40%.

Of those 6 losses, Violet Palmer has been on the floor for 3 -- at Philadelphia (SA shot .333); at LA Clippers (SA shot .356); vs. New Orleans (SA shot .388).

Of those 6 losses, Dan Crawford has been on the floor for 2 -- the game at Philadelphia and the game against New Orleans at home.

In fact, in the Spurs October 30, 2010 loss at home to New Orleans -- when they shot .388 from the floor and suffered one of their 4 home losses this season -- the officiating crew was:

Dan Crawford, Tony Brothers, and Violet Palmer.

[duncan228]

Big Three may be back vs. Celtics (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/30/big-three-may-be-back-vs-celtics/)
Jeff McDonald

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/30/big-three-may-be-back-vs-celtics/

[lefty]

Big Three may be back vs. Celtics (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/30/big-three-may-be-back-vs-celtics/)
Jeff McDonald

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/30/big-three-may-be-back-vs-celtics/
good good

We'll lose anyway

[Amuseddaysleeper]

The Spurs have shot under 40% from the field in 7 games this season. They are 1-6 in those games -- they somehow beat Minnesota despite being under 40%.

Of those 6 losses, Violet Palmer has been on the floor for 3 -- at Philadelphia (SA shot .333); at LA Clippers (SA shot .356); vs. New Orleans (SA shot .388).

Of those 6 losses, Dan Crawford has been on the floor for 2 -- the game at Philadelphia and the game against New Orleans at home.

In fact, in the Spurs October 30, 2010 loss at home to New Orleans -- when they shot .388 from the floor and suffered one of their 4 home losses this season -- the officiating crew was:

Dan Crawford, Tony Brothers, and Violet Palmer.

:lol

Major props on the research FWD.

That's my #1 concern going into these playoffs. Not even the lack of size (assuming Splitter sees no burn) or the lack of a quality perimeter defender, but the fact that if the Spurs only end up shooting 42% from the floor, they will most likely lose the game, as they have nothing else to fall back on.

They're like 47-1 when outshooting their opponent (Portland buzzer beater being the lone defeat). In the playoffs the defenses will obviously be much harder to score on, and I fear the Spurs may not be able to slug out a low scoring/poor shooting game like the ol' days.

[duncan228]

No change to Spurs injury report: Parker, McDyess will play. Manu, Duncan still game-time decisions


McDyess says Spurs understand what's at stake down stretch: "The playoffs start now."

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


Thursday: Celtics (51-22) at Spurs (57-17) (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/30/thursday-celtics-51-22-at-spurs-57-17/)
Jeff McDonald

...Spurs riding a four-game losing streak, their longest in the regular season since dropping four straight from March 12-17, 2008. They are looking to avoid first five-game skid since losing final six games of 1996-97 campaign...Boston has lost seven of its past 12

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/30/thursday-celtics-51-22-at-spurs-57-17/

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


Tiago says TD looked ready at practice (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/30/tiago-says-td-looked-ready-at-practice/)
Tim Griffin

..."He practiced well,” Splitter said. “I don’t know how he feels. At least, he didn’t show anything. I hope he can play tomorrow.”


...“After that game, nobody felt good about it,” Splitter said. ” But I think the best is that Timmy is better, Manu is better, Tony is better, Dice is also. I think we can wish for the best today and (hope) for a nice day tomorrow.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/30/tiago-says-td-looked-ready-at-practice/

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


Celtics veteran O’Neal returning to lineup (http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/30/celtics-veteran-oneal-returning-to-lineup/)

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2011/03/30/celtics-veteran-oneal-returning-to-lineup/

[lefty]

Damn, go easy on that mouse, 228

[Rummpd]

Tiago has a great attitude for someone, and a former international star, who has been sadly treated like a 10-12th man all year. He is saying and doing all the right things lately and hope that has Pop's and the teams' attention.

[duncan228]

Advanced Scouting: Boston Celtics at San Antonio Spurs – Injury Updates and Ewing Theory statistics (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/)
by Scott Sereday
48 Minutes of Hell

Boston Celtics at San Antonio Spurs 7:00 CST March 31, 2011

The Spurs have picked up 4 consecutive losses while Tim Duncan is resting his ankle. Manu Ginobili contributed practically nothing to 2 of these contests while Tony Parker and Antonio McDyess sat out one game each. Although the Spurs have “struggled” finding wins as of late, it can be argued that they have played well and, in my opinion, face more manageable long-term issues than their opponent tonight.

Keep reading → (http://www.48minutesofhell.com/spurs-stats-advanced-scouting-boston-celtics-3-31#more-13440)

[Killakobe81]

Can't find it my heart to ever "root" for the Celts ...but a loss here by the spurs would make things interesting. I'll just root for a good game either team losing helps the Lakers anyway. But I NEVER root for the Celts ...

[duncan228]

C's expect full-strength Spurs (http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4682340/cs-expect-full-strength-spurs)
By Chris Forsberg
ESPN Boston

While San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich won't tip his hand about who his team will have available for Thursday night's battle with the Celtics, Boston coach Doc Rivers told his players to prepare for everyone.

Spurs stars Tim Duncan (sprained left ankle), Manu Ginobili (left quadriceps contusion), Tony Parker (left patella contusion), and Antonio McDyess (lower back contusion) all sat out Monday's loss to Portland, but Rivers has a feeling they'll all be back on the floor Thursday night at the AT&T Center.

"I think they all will play," said Rivers. "I told our guys that a week ago. They've done this twice. Last year they rested their guys up to play against us and [this year the Spurs] did it again. Duncan was an injury, but now he's healthy. I have no doubts they're all playing. It's one of the games they get up for when they play us, and I hope we do, too."

Given that his own troops typically play up to the level of their competition -- part of the reason the Celtics have dropped seven of their last 12, mostly to inferior teams -- Rivers thinks Thursday's matchup could bring out the best of his team, but cautioned against putting too much stock in any regular-season game.

As his team prepares to joust with a top Western Conference foe, Rivers said he's not overly concerned how Boston's Eastern Conference rivals are faring.

"I can't worry about them," Rivers said of the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat. "I don't even worry about them, I worry about us. We have to take care of ourselves... More importantly [than Boston's overall record], we have to take care of getting ready for the playoffs. At the end of the day, that's all I'm concerned with. I'm not concerned by [the East rivals]."

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4682340/cs-expect-full-strength-spurs

[duncan228]

Not official, but: Tim Duncan's and Manu Ginobili's game jerseys hanging in their lockers. Usually, a tell-tale sign of who expects to play.

[ThePop]

:downspin:

[Budkin]

Hell yeah... I just saw that and put it in the Duncan thread! Woot!

[duncan228]

‎
Pop makes it official. Everyone is playing vs. Bos. Yes, that means Tim Duncan. Yes that means Manu Ginobili.

[Budkin]

Wooo hoooo!