cd021
12-17-2012, 12:12 AM
Unless Danny grows 4 inches between now and tip time I'd be willing to bet that the Spurs would start
PG-Parker
SG-Green
SF-Diaw
PF-Duncan
C-Splitter
If they do, id expect some early struggles on offense considering this lineup has playing rarely (if ever) together. Any offense lost initially could be made up on the bench and Durant and Westbrook would may struggle finishing at rim, with both Duncan & Splitter patrolling the paint.
Parker Vs. Westbrook-usually cancel each others scoring out. Though Parker's ability to create coupled with Westbrook's occasional boneheaded decision making should give the spurs an edge if the game is close.
Green Vs. Sefolosha-This should be a big gauge on just how much Danny has really improved since last season ( I believe quite a bit) Thabo was switched to Parker in the WCF after Greens jumper went MIA. A double digit outing could significantly improve the chances of winning because Westbrook could be forced to guard Parker for the majority of the game instead of being hid on defense by defending a spot up shooter.
Diaw Vs. Durant-Diaw's perimeter defense at times has actually been fairly good, even if it isn't, he's the tallest wing(ish player) on roster. I'd expect the spurs to dust off the "Dirk Defense" playbook, alot of help defense when Durant enters the paint from Duncan & Splitter and prey he doesn't get easy points off alot of free-throws. Diaw has been more agressive looking for his shot (since the UTAH game) A couple of 3's could go along way to keeping this offense from struggling by adding some floor spacing
Duncan Vs. Ibaka-The first clear cut advantage in the starting lineup. Ibaka's offensive game in limited from the occasion putback or open jumper. Duncan resurgence especially in the post could force Perkins to guard Duncan exclusively. Ibaka would be a more favorable matchup, he isn't nearly the post defender that Perkins is.
Splitter Vs. Perkins-Splitters performance over the course of the last three games has warranted more playing time. I'd expect him to be paired with Ibaka for the majority of the night. If Splitter can produce a double-double including some easily layups the spurs chances significantly improve considering how much the Thunder's offense is perimeter based points in the paint are clear advantage the spurs have with Tim, Tony & Tiago.
Stephen Jackson-I've never seen so many conflicting reports about the status of one player, He tweeted he will play and he will travel with the team, however Po started to he should be ready to go for the Denver game Wednesday without so much as mentioning the OKC game. If he plays the could be a significant boost to the spurs rotation. The Spurs should avoid a Durant vs. Green or even Anderson match-up at all costs.
Patty Mills-Mills has played well recently and should receive more minutes with Manu likely out. He is quick and can attack the rim off the dribble. Having Neal and Mills playing along side of each other with Mills playing the point should help minimize the potential loss of Manu.
Gary Neal-Neal has been inconsistent dating back to the Utah game and his defense has been exceptionally bad. With Manu likely out and Neal possibly returning to the bench, he need to regain his shot and look to score as much as possible with the 2nd unit.
PG-Parker
SG-Green
SF-Diaw
PF-Duncan
C-Splitter
If they do, id expect some early struggles on offense considering this lineup has playing rarely (if ever) together. Any offense lost initially could be made up on the bench and Durant and Westbrook would may struggle finishing at rim, with both Duncan & Splitter patrolling the paint.
Parker Vs. Westbrook-usually cancel each others scoring out. Though Parker's ability to create coupled with Westbrook's occasional boneheaded decision making should give the spurs an edge if the game is close.
Green Vs. Sefolosha-This should be a big gauge on just how much Danny has really improved since last season ( I believe quite a bit) Thabo was switched to Parker in the WCF after Greens jumper went MIA. A double digit outing could significantly improve the chances of winning because Westbrook could be forced to guard Parker for the majority of the game instead of being hid on defense by defending a spot up shooter.
Diaw Vs. Durant-Diaw's perimeter defense at times has actually been fairly good, even if it isn't, he's the tallest wing(ish player) on roster. I'd expect the spurs to dust off the "Dirk Defense" playbook, alot of help defense when Durant enters the paint from Duncan & Splitter and prey he doesn't get easy points off alot of free-throws. Diaw has been more agressive looking for his shot (since the UTAH game) A couple of 3's could go along way to keeping this offense from struggling by adding some floor spacing
Duncan Vs. Ibaka-The first clear cut advantage in the starting lineup. Ibaka's offensive game in limited from the occasion putback or open jumper. Duncan resurgence especially in the post could force Perkins to guard Duncan exclusively. Ibaka would be a more favorable matchup, he isn't nearly the post defender that Perkins is.
Splitter Vs. Perkins-Splitters performance over the course of the last three games has warranted more playing time. I'd expect him to be paired with Ibaka for the majority of the night. If Splitter can produce a double-double including some easily layups the spurs chances significantly improve considering how much the Thunder's offense is perimeter based points in the paint are clear advantage the spurs have with Tim, Tony & Tiago.
Stephen Jackson-I've never seen so many conflicting reports about the status of one player, He tweeted he will play and he will travel with the team, however Po started to he should be ready to go for the Denver game Wednesday without so much as mentioning the OKC game. If he plays the could be a significant boost to the spurs rotation. The Spurs should avoid a Durant vs. Green or even Anderson match-up at all costs.
Patty Mills-Mills has played well recently and should receive more minutes with Manu likely out. He is quick and can attack the rim off the dribble. Having Neal and Mills playing along side of each other with Mills playing the point should help minimize the potential loss of Manu.
Gary Neal-Neal has been inconsistent dating back to the Utah game and his defense has been exceptionally bad. With Manu likely out and Neal possibly returning to the bench, he need to regain his shot and look to score as much as possible with the 2nd unit.