2015 Spurs special enough to win 6 and overcome no HCA?

[siraulo23]

Possible path to the finals

No HCA vs

Clippers
Rockets
Warriors

Discuss

Let the Playoffs begin

[testies]

no

[apalisoc_9]

No.

Spurs lose either first round or third round.

Pop is way to stubborn with his Belli love and Parker love,.

[RD2191]

The Spurs would have to beat the 3, 2, and 1 seed without HCA. I don't see it.:downspin:

[Dingle Barry]

Apolisoc will you please fuck off forever if they prove you wrong?

[AFBlue]

If Tiago is healthy, HC won't matter because it will never get to Game 7. Spurs got this tbqh.

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Spurs will lose in 2nd round most likely.

[Arcadian]

I'm gonna say yes.

[apalisoc_9]

If I'd have to rate the team right from 1 to 100..

Full Squad 86.

Minus Splitter 81

with Splitter but without Tony 89..

Houston, LA, are both in the in the 84-86 range..

Warriors 88

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Spurs can't win 3 series on the road.

[SURGE]

I would not be surprise if Dallas shocked Houston n Memphis got healthy n beat gst n the path to the finals wouldn't be as tough but either way I still have faith we get the job done and I really wanted the 2 seed but part of me is glad we didn't go in to the playoffs winning 12 in a row cause then we would be due to lose n that's never good

[siraulo23]

The 2014 Spurs was special enough imo to win this year (without HCA, since no OKC this year) can they recapture that same magic? This 2015 spurs have shown spurts of excellent basketball but even during the 11 game win streak, we havent seen the same continuity in the offense

[BatManu20]

It's an uphill battle, and the answerhttp://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/) is probably no.


But, that's why you play the game. Hope they prove me wrong.

[Sean Cagney]

Spurs will lose in 2nd round most likely.

2nd round would actually be easier than the first round crazy enough. WCF would be VERY tough.
Spurs can't win 3 series on the road.

There is a reason as I said ONLY ONE team in the history of the game has done that and won a title, it's that hard to do. They are up against it, lets see how they respond.

[siraulo23]

One thing is for sure, im gonna celebrate every win this post season

and worst case scenario, we still got 5 to enjoy

[Sean Cagney]

One thing is for sure, im gonna celebrate every win this post season

and worst case scenario, we still got 5 to enjoy

This is the damn truth.

[Leetonidas]

Spurs were going to have to play GSW without HCA anyway. I don't see how potentially playing LAC and Houston without homecourt is going to make it worse tbh. Even the homers on RealGM think the Spurs are going to beat LAC in 6. Calm your faggot asses down tbh

[spurs10]

We need 16 wins....I think we can go 16 and 12.

[Leetonidas]

Besides, Spurs have two teams lined up with horrible FT shooters they can abuse to throw off their game tbh...DeMonkey is a liability for LAC and Duncan owns Howard's soul...also lmao Josh Smith :lmao

[Leetonidas]

Not to mention LAC only has one perimeter threat and Spurs can hide Parker on players like Reddick or Barnes imo. Green/Leonard are going to wax Paul's ass

[spurs10]

One thing is for sure, im gonna celebrate every win this post season

and worst case scenario, we still got 5 to enjoy What? We win 1 against Rox/ Mavs? Doubtful.....

[Sean Cagney]

Spurs were going to have to play GSW without HCA anyway. I don't see how potentially playing LAC and Houston without homecourt is going to make it worse tbh. Even the homers on RealGM think the Spurs are going to beat LAC in 6. Calm your faggot asses down tbh

Thats true, but HC through two rounds is alot better than being on the road TBH. Water under the bridge though now, gotta go out there and see what they got and deal with the rounds on the road now. They are up to it I am sure, will they do it though? No clue but I will enjoy watching it.

If Dallas wins round one they get them at home which would be a plus, then again HC never really matters in that series it seems.

[spurs10]

One thing is for sure, im gonna celebrate every win this post season

and worst case scenario, we still got 5 to enjoy Oh that 5! Hell yeah man...forever! :flag:

[siraulo23]

Spurs need 3/4 of TP, Patty, Tiago and Manu to play well

We know what the spurs are gonna get out of TD Kawhi and Diaw, the rest of the roster relies on spurs PG's playmaking ability

[Leetonidas]

I honestly don't think that HCA is a big deal for SA and playing in Houston isn't even a big deal, not much travel and there's a fuckload of Spurfans in Houston anyway.

Spurs will be the second team to win a chip as the 6th seed, book it

[siraulo23]

I think the clippers are a major concern

If we know Tiago is ready to go and healthy, Im pretty confident the Spurs can beat the Clipper without HCA. Right now, the health of the spurs main defender on griffin is unknown

[Malik Hairston]

If the Spurs win the title, it would be unquestionable the greatest run in NBA history..realistically, they probably won't, the odds are heavily against them..

A team that just went through 2 June runs, a ton of mileage, and now they must win a series without HCA vs. the 3rd best team in the conference, and then a potential, subsequent series vs. Houston without HCA..if they get through that gauntlet, which they definitely could, they will have to go up against a Warriors team that probably won't go past 5 games in either of the 1st 2 rounds:lol..

Not to mention the best all-around defensive big on the team can't stay healthy, too..

[siraulo23]

If the Spurs win the title, it would be unquestionable the greatest run in NBA history..realistically, they probably won't, the odds are heavily against them..

A team that just went through 2 June runs, a ton of mileage, and now they must win a series without HCA vs. the 3rd best team in the conference, and then a potential, subsequent series vs. Houston without HCA..if they get through that gauntlet, which they definitely could, they will have to go up against a Warriors team that probably won't go past 5 games in either of the 1st 2 rounds:lol..

Not to mention the best all-around defensive big on the team can't stay healthy, too..

Everything you said, on point

IMO if the Spurs win this year's 'ship, it could challenge last year's as the most magical spurs championship run

[peacemaker885]

One also has to consider officiating. Home teams usually get the calls. We not only have to win road games, we have to win them convincingly.

[Malik Hairston]

One also has to consider officiating. Home teams usually get the calls. We not only have to win road games, we have to win them convincingly.

Generally, yes, but HCA in the NBA has actually progressively declined the past few years, with this year having HCA as the least effective that it has ever been..most people speculate that it's because the officiating has evened out, due to transparency and the advancements of social media, ref stats, etc..

[benstanfield]

Generally, yes, but HCA in the NBA has actually progressively declined the past few years, with this year having HCA as the least effective that it has ever been..most people speculate that it's because the officiating has evened out, due to transparency and the advancements of social media, ref stats, etc..

Or the fact that Stern would've carried out genocide to avoid things like a Hawks-Spurs finals matchup

[letmk]

I expect the Spurs either lose in the 1st round or go to the Finals. The Clippers are as hot as the Spurs for the last month, and they also have several mismatches to their advantages. It will be a very tough 1st round.

[cd021]

I think HCA is a bit overrated this year. Spur can beat LAC in L.A. They did earlier this season and blew the other game, which was ,probably Parker and Duncans best game and maybe Kawhi's worst.

Houston-Dallas is a bit of a toss up if Dirk can average around 20ppg and Parsons is healthy enough to be a factor. If Dallas wins and the Spurs win as well it would be Spur hosting Dallas in the semis. Spurs @ GSW in the WCF (assuming both reach the WCF) and if they get to the Finals vs. the Cavs, the Spurs would have home court advantage.

[siraulo23]

The Spurs can definitely beat the Clippers, but it's going to be close series where HCA might be the difference

[shingo_318]

We will have HCA when facing Cavs

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

2nd round would actually be easier than the first round crazy enough. WCF would be VERY tough.

There is a reason as I said ONLY ONE team in the history of the game has done that and won a title, it's that hard to do. They are up against it, lets see how they respond.

How do you figure that? Rockets are probably the worst match up for the Spurs. GSW are trash, Spurs have their number..

[boutons_deux]

losing HCA in first two rounds fully justifies the cliff jumping after loss to NOR.

Spurs are done, no repeat.

[mkurts]

Can do it if they are focussed enough.

Mavericks likely to upset Rockets, and Pelicans will stretch out the series against the Warriors if Davis plays like today.

Clippers are a good regular season team but a terrible playoffs team.

[therealtruth]

First round will be a tuneup for the later rounds. The Clippers are due for a loss. The Spurs got that out of the way before the playoffs.

[Capt Bringdown]

Doubtful. This is a team who couldn't win an overtime game to their lives this year.
Bottom line, this year's squad is not as good as last year's, and the conference is even more competitive.

[MateoNeygro]

Here's my thing and maybe I'm off base. I'm with the people saying home court isn't a huge deal this year. This is why, the race was so close that teams are separated by things like division championships not wins/loses. The reason that the home team historically win(my opinion) is just because they were the better team. The higher the seed the better the team generally speaking. However, I don't feel this applies to this years Western Conference. Do I feel like throughout the season the Rockets or Clippers were better than the Spurs? Not at all. It will be difficult as it always is but I think if the Spurs play the way they are capable they can beat any team 4 out of 7 regardless of who's gym it's in.

[Richie]

If we can't beat the Clippers or Houston without home court then we aren't going to win the title anyway. The only team where it worries me is against the Warriors, and they've had it sewn up for months.

The difference between 2nd and 6th is barely worth mentioning IMO.

I actually think it worked out quite well, Zach Randolph is a matchup nightmare for Draymond Green and they have Tony Allen to guard Curry. No guarantee the Warriors even make it to the West Finals.

[Budkin]

No but at least Monty Williams gets to keep his job. "Thanks Pop."

[Sean Cagney]

How do you figure that? Rockets are probably the worst match up for the Spurs. GSW are trash, Spurs have their number..

Dont fool yourself, if GSW get hot they are a problem, plus they play D as well. Rockets are a tough match up though.... Two years ago GSW who were younger and inexperienced took the Spurs 6 games.

[weebo]

Anyone can beat anyone this year, with or without HCA. That's just how tough the west is this year. Hell, one can argue if AD goes off they might just knock off the warriors.

[SilverSpur]

I'm sure Pop has told the team that if you steal the first game at their house, home court advantage flips to Spurs

[mexicanjunior]

No...Spurs cannot win 3 straight series without HCA. Clippers in 5.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

No...Spurs cannot win 3 straight series without HCA. Clippers in 5.

I don't get the coherency of this post. They can't win 3 straight series w/o HCA. Clippers in 5. You should have just said that they couldn't even win one series w/o HCA.

Just like last year, all this pessimism. Yet the Spurs have played the best basketball in the NBA over the past month and a half. They lose one and all of a sudden they are now the worse team in this year's playoffs.

ST, just be ready for another round of pussy posts for this year's playoffs.

[mexicanjunior]

You should have just said that they couldn't even win one series w/o HCA.


They can't win one series without HCA against the Clippers, much less 3 straight in the western conference.

[cjw]

Besides, Spurs have two teams lined up with horrible FT shooters they can abuse to throw off their game tbh...DeMonkey is a liability for LAC and Duncan owns Howard's soul...also lmao Josh Smith :lmao

Assuming Splitter is healthy, Spurs should be clear favorites against all three teams on this side of the bracket even without HCA against two of them. Teams all need to beat a team that's lost 4 out of 25 games (by a total of 17 points in those four)... four times out of seven

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

They can't win one series without HCA against the Clippers, much less 3 straight in the western conference.

Yet the Spurs w/o Splitter mind you and w/o Mills, beat the Clips on their HC at the beginning of the season when the Clips were at full strength.

Please, you overestimate the Clippers. They are paper tigers. The were 20-21 against playoff teams this year, yeah, a losing record. Spurs were 24-19. 14 of the Spurs loses came when a combination either Parker, Kawhi, Splitter, Mills, or Beli (just saying) were out.

With the Spurs at full strength, they were 17-5. Spurs will be at full strength to start the playoffs. Yes, Splitter will be playing on Sunday.

[Va Spur]

Did we just win 11 of 12? Did we just win 21 of 25? We lost one game to a team who desperately needed it. If we lost last week and won last night the hysteria wouldn't be there and we'd still be the 6th seed. Calm down people

We just showed the NBA we can beat anyone and are playing well. We will beat the Clippers in 5-6. They don't play well in playoffs.

[Mr. Body]

Role players play much better at home. The Clippers get away with starting both Barnes and Reddick, both of which are bench players, but at home they can play very well. Home court refs will help an emotional/immature Griffin and Paul, plus buy their flopping.

Those things worry me and may cost the series.

But the problem with the a spurs, as much as injury, has been a lack of concentration. When they are forced to concentrate they can be very, very good.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Role players play much better at home. The Clippers get away with starting both Barnes and Reddick, both of which are bench players, but at home they can play very well. Home court refs will help an emotional/immature Griffin and Paul, plus buy their flopping.

Those things worry me and may cost the series.

But the problem with the a spurs, as much as injury, has been a lack of concentration. When they are forced to concentrate they can be very, very good.

That is why Jordan is the ace in the hole for Pop. He can counter any hot streak or partial reffing by just hacking Jordan. Rockets and Clips are going to get screwed over this playoffs because of horrible FT shooting.

[Mr. Body]

That is why Jordan is the ace in the hole for Pop. He can counter any hot streak or partial reffing by just hacking Jordan. Rockets and Clips are going to get screwed over this playoffs because of horrible FT shooting.

Hack a Jordan hasn't worked for anybody this season. Clips have a junky flow and Paul is good enough to maintain concentration. You're too optimistic in this regard.

I'll also add that they depend heavily in Crawford when things get tight. He's a total wildcard and can win at least a game for them like Carter did last year for the Mavs.

[Cowboys_Wear_Spurs]

Hack a Jordan hasn't worked for anybody this season. Clips have a junky flow and Paul is good enough to maintain concentration. You're too optimistic in this regard.

I'll also add that they depend heavily in Crawford when things get tight. He's a total wildcard and can win at least a game for them like Carter did last year for the Mavs.

Pop did it in the game in December and it worked. The guy is shooting 40% at the line. Yes, it is very much an option to take the crowd out of the game or to counter any partial treatment by the refs.

It's like the dude that posted the Spurs should have fouled Irving or whomever and sent the Cavs on the line instead of just letting Irving shot a contest 3, saying it was the better strategy. Yet the Spurs did the very same thing against the Piston and lost because they missed 7 of 9 FTs down the stretch.

Hack-a-Jordan worked for the Spurs this year. It has been proven that it works. Is it something to totally rely on, no. But it is a viable option for Pop to utilize in this series.

[DawgMilkX]

If you win 1 on the road you bring back the home court advantage. Spurs arent worried if they are home or on the road. They have too much experience for it to even matter. If Splitter comes back and plays well game over.

[Russ]

The playoffs this year will be a "do over" for the Rodeo Road Trip.

The RRT this year was the first losing one ever -- the team tanked against NO because they wanted the chance to wash that taste out of their mouth.

So these playoffs will be the real RRT -- Rodeo Road Trip II.

Well, maybe. :lol

Let's hope so anyway . . .

[urunobili]

Generally, yes, but HCA in the NBA has actually progressively declined the past few years, with this year having HCA as the least effective that it has ever been..most people speculate that it's because the officiating has evened out, due to transparency and the advancements of social media, ref stats, etc..

Like the 2008 Spurs sleeping on an airplane? http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs6/i/2005/115/7/e/__Jump_Off_a_Cliff___Emoticon_by_neek_zique.gif

[MateoNeygro]

I feel like fans worry far more about HC than any player on the Spurs. Do any of you honestly think that the Spurs see their seeding and automatically say "oh well we're fucked". No becuase they are pros this shit doesn't phase them and shouldnt get everyones panties in a bunch. Is it the best seeding we could of had? No but I def will not count them out. They just need to play Spurs ball.

[Spurs9]

We aren't winning anything without Tiago.

[bklynspursfan]

2012- won both in LAC
2013- closed out GS in GS (took 2 there overall)
2014- closed out OKC in OKC
2014- took both games in Miami

over the past couple years, we have won big games on the road, and especially those GS & OKC series as they have 2 of the better HC's in the league.

It can be done, but obviously won't be easy. And hypothetically if we win, what if Dallas beats Houston? We would have home court in the 2nd round.

We've won titles before, but never lower than the 3rd seed. But, we also got to B2B finals for the first time ever and been to the at least the WCF since Kawhi came on board. First time for everything...

The Clips have been playing great too. The 2 hottest teams meeting up. Just need to take 1 of the first 2 in LA. Game 1 is always easiest to steal on the road. With plenty of rest, and Tiago returning, that's our best chance.

[024]

Facing the Clippers in the first round without HCA is pretty much the worst case scenario other than facing the Warriors in the first round. The Spurs will have to play the Clippers before Splitter is healthy. This will be a hard series with Splitter limited on minutes. The Spurs need his lateral quickness to keep up with Griffin and Baynes will not cut it.

As for the second round, it will definitely be easier if the Spurs make it there. Mavs might just upset the Rockets and the Spurs might get HCA then. The Rockets basically have to rely on Harden to run the offense in a 7 game series. No one else on that team can reliably create their own shot. You would think a smart coach like Carlisle can figure out how to shut down one player in a 7 game series. Rockets also have no bench so everyone will be playing heavy minutes. Even if they defeat the Mavs, the Rockets will be an easier opponent than the Clippers.

Third round would stay the same, no HCA against the Warriors. No change here, this remains the most difficult challenge.

[Seventyniner]

The playoffs this year will be a "do over" for the Rodeo Road Trip.

The RRT this year was the first losing one ever -- the team tanked against NO because they wanted the chance to wash that taste out of their mouth.

So these playoffs will be the real RRT -- Rodeo Road Trip II.

Well, maybe. :lol

Let's hope so anyway . . .

I like this. Avenge a sub-.500 RRT with a plus-.500 road record in the playoffs.

[tmtcsc]

Yes.

[cjw]

2012- won both in LAC
2013- closed out GS in GS (took 2 there overall)
2014- closed out OKC in OKC
2014- took both games in Miami

over the past couple years, we have won big games on the road, and especially those GS & OKC series as they have 2 of the better HC's in the league.

It can be done, but obviously won't be easy. And hypothetically if we win, what if Dallas beats Houston? We would have home court in the 2nd round.

We've won titles before, but never lower than the 3rd seed. But, we also got to B2B finals for the first time ever and been to the at least the WCF since Kawhi came on board. First time for everything...

The Clips have been playing great too. The 2 hottest teams meeting up. Just need to take 1 of the first 2 in LA. Game 1 is always easiest to steal on the road. With plenty of rest, and Tiago returning, that's our best chance.

Not to mention sweeps of Utah (before Clippers sweep), Lakers & Grizzlies (before/after GS), splitting on road vs. Portland last year and taking game 1 in the '13 Finals in Miami. Winning at home is easier, but I don't think playing on the road phases this team.

[maverick1948]

HCA only matters if you win the 1st 2 games. If you dont, well you are in deep dog poo. Win one of the 1st 2 on the road and HC changes. Pressure becomes the inexperienced teams problem.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Not to mention sweeps of Utah (before Clippers sweep), Lakers & Grizzlies (before/after GS), splitting on road vs. Portland last year and taking game 1 in the '13 Finals in Miami. Winning at home is easier, but I don't think playing on the road phases this team.

I think last night was yet another wakeup call as to being able to handle the playoff crowds. We couldnt weather the storm and got behind by too much, Im sure the team took notice. Same thing happened at Houston and we were down big early. We will see if they learned from those in game 1.

[Horry Hipcheck]

Are they good enough? Possibly. We saw what kind of damage they do when they're firing on all cylinders. Splitter's fitness is a huge question mark.

Realistically, historically, and statistically speaking, the Spurs will probably get bounced before they have a chance to defend their title against GSW. The Dubs have the easiest possible path to the WCF and IF the Spurs get there, they're entirely likely to be exhausted from grueling series against LA and Houston/Dallas. Two pivotal Game 5s on the road, potentially two Game 7s on the road. It's fucking D-Day and the Spurs are about to be the first wave to hit Normandy.

But they're good enough to get there. It will take a Herculean effort and will require the entire roster to be focused and motivated. That final game of the season loss had to deflate the team a bit, from pre-playoff interviews it sure sounds like they're bummed out that they couldn't get it done.

One game at a time, though. Take 1 of 2 out here, and deal with the rest later.

[spurman123]

We havent been a good road team this year

[tuncaboylu]

6th ring as 6th seed.

It will be epic.

[TDomination]

We must think 1 round at a time.

And if 2010 Spurs were able to beat the Mavs as a 7th seed in 6 games, then I know that the defending champs, winners 11 of last 12 games, 21 of 25 can sure as heck beat the Clips 4 out of 7 times.

And then we just played Houston so we know we can beat them. And same goes for the Warriors.

[szkorhetz]

One also has to consider officiating. Home teams usually get the calls. We not only have to win road games, we have to win them convincingly.
We are the fucking Defending-Champions. Decisive calls should go our way.

[tuncaboylu]

No...Spurs cannot win 3 straight series without HCA. Clippers in 5.



They can't win one series without HCA against the Clippers, much less 3 straight in the western conference.

If you claim Clippers in 5, then we could not beat them with HCA too.

Please stop using syntetic drugs, it gives enormous damage to the brain.

[bigfan]

Hey, we played like shit for about a third of the season, that's what happens. I think the west is full of great teams and maybe any of the west teams could go all the way. The Spurs just need to do it.

[cd021]

I expect the Spurs either lose in the 1st round or go to the Finals. The Clippers are as hot as the Spurs for the last month, and they also have several mismatches to their advantages. It will be a very tough 1st round.

I really don't think the Clippers have mismatches that they can exploit. Paul is going to have to guard Parker for 35 minutes and then carry the offense against Green, Cojo, & Kawhi. LAC has an atrocious bench (29th in the NBA) They will ,likely, play Paul-36 MPG, Reddick-30 MPG,-Crawford-32 MPG, Barnes-34 MPG, Griffin-36 MPG, Jordan-36 MPG. Spurs will probably play 10 or 11 players.

Duncan plays very well against Jordan and does a great job of taking away lobs. Parker can be hid on Reddick. Griffin can give us some problems. He can face up, drive and finish or draw contact. If Diaw starts, he can pull Griffin out of the paint on defense like Diaw does when he is matched up with ZBO. Run high screens with Duncan and Parker/Ginobili and have Diaw in the right corner with Griffin having to decide whether or not to help contain the drive or stay on Diaw.

[Malik Hairston]

I really don't think the Clippers have mismatches that they can exploit. Paul is going to have to guard Parker for 35 minutes and then carry the offense against Green, Cojo, & Kawhi. LAC has an atrocious bench (29th in the NBA) They will ,likely, play Paul-36 MPG, Reddick-30 MPG,-Crawford-32 MPG, Barnes-34 MPG, Griffin-36 MPG, Jordan-36 MPG. Spurs will probably play 10 or 11 players.

Duncan plays very well against Jordan and does a great job of taking away lobs. Parker can be hid on Reddick. Griffin can give us some problems. He can face up, drive and finish or draw contact. If Diaw starts, he can pull Griffin out of the paint on defense like Diaw does when he is matched up with ZBO. Run high screens with Duncan and Parker/Ginobili and have Diaw in the right corner with Griffin having to decide whether or not to help contain the drive or stay on Diaw.

Griffin is definitely a huge mismatch, especially without Splitter, but I agree otherwise..

The Spurs have huge mismatches in Leonard, Parker and the bench..while Parker isn't a mismatch on paper against Paul's elite defense, the key, like you said, is that Paul is gonna have to work on defense vs. Parker, while carrying the offense vs. Leonard and Green..playing 2-way playoff basketball is extremely difficult, and it's why you generally only see it from star players for short stretches in the post-season..

Unlike the Spurs, the Clippers don't have an alternative vs. Tony..their SF(Barnes) is an average defender that can't defend guards, their 2-guards(Reddick and Crawford) are terrible defensively, and they don't have any notable bench guys..

[Galileo]

The # 6 seeded 1995 Rockets won it all with 4 road series, against the four best teams in NBA by record that season. It can be done.

[TD 21]

I really don't think the Clippers have mismatches that they can exploit. Paul is going to have to guard Parker for 35 minutes and then carry the offense against Green, Cojo, & Kawhi. LAC has an atrocious bench (29th in the NBA) They will ,likely, play Paul-36 MPG, Reddick-30 MPG,-Crawford-32 MPG, Barnes-34 MPG, Griffin-36 MPG, Jordan-36 MPG. Spurs will probably play 10 or 11 players.

Duncan plays very well against Jordan and does a great job of taking away lobs. Parker can be hid on Reddick. Griffin can give us some problems. He can face up, drive and finish or draw contact. If Diaw starts, he can pull Griffin out of the paint on defense like Diaw does when he is matched up with ZBO. Run high screens with Duncan and Parker/Ginobili and have Diaw in the right corner with Griffin having to decide whether or not to help contain the drive or stay on Diaw.

Since Splitter will be on a minutes restriction (though I'm not sure how much more than can baby him than they normally do), Griffin will be a mismatch, as you and Harlem said. Since he's incapable of playing well unless he's completely healthy and in rhythm, don't expect much out of him in this series.

Unfortunately, I don't think this series is going to be about how well the Spurs match-up. If they're both in absolute peak form, the Spurs are better, but the Clippers are close enough that their motivation (3 straight years of being the 4th best team has equaled zero Conference Finals, plus they felt they gave away the Thunder series last year in game 5) and Paul's specifically (he, in particular, felt he gave said game away, plus he's at the tail end of his prime and is the greatest player to have never made even a Conference Finals), plus the Spurs fatigue and knowing they probably gave away their chance to repeat by dropping to sixth, will probably carry the day.

Their big three might average those minutes, since I'm sure they'll be a blowout or two to bring them down, but if it's relatively close throughout, they'll be playing more than that.

Redick is not someone you "hide" on. Even though he's not a traditional shot creator, he's like a lesser Korver, in that his mere presence coming off of screens frees others for shots. Since he's in perpetual motion, he's extremely taxing to guard, which is why Green should be the primary defender and Parker should be hid on Barnes. If they even think about milking that match-up in the post, it's a win for the Spurs.

[100%duncan]

No...Spurs cannot win 3 straight series without HCA. Clippers in 5.

Last Seen: Game 2 of the 2014 NBA Finals. Faggot.

[DMC]

They can. It's going to depend on how well Tiago plays if he plays. Pop might meddle a bit too much, but if he starts that it's because the team is suffering already. If the bench steps up, Pop won't need to tinker.

[Dre_7]

Dallas is going to beat Houston. Spurs will get one series at home. They will win it all and repeat for the first time ever.

[mexicanjunior]

Last Seen: Game 2 of the 2014 NBA Finals. Faggot.

I've posted 25 times before the Pelicans game in 2015 alone...I don't get the "last seen" schtick.

[unleashbaynes]

If I'd have to rate the team right from 1 to 100..

Full Squad 86.

Minus Splitter 81

with Splitter but without Tony 89..

Houston, LA, are both in the in the 84-86 range..

Warriors 88

Wow, fascinating analysis.

[gameFACE]

On paper I don't see this team as overcoming that many lost HCA obstacles. My gut, too. You hear a lot of people say HCA isn't important with teams so close. That's actually the reason why it IS important.

But I've been wrong every year since 2011.

[spurs10]

HCA will be back to us after the first game. This ain't no foolin' around!

[PingPong]

The only scary team to the Spurs was a healthy OKC, tbh. Bin Beard is a chucker, Coward is too stupid to carry a team, no Beverley. LAC aways will be the junior team. Warriors have the Slash Brothers confident, the team is clicking, probably the biggest issue to the Spurs, tbh. I predict a 4-1 against Clippers, 4-2 against Lolckets, 4-3 against Warriors (with Tiago healthy).

[SanAntonioSpurs23]

Probably not.

We have a team led by a fake superstar. Parker is sucking more dick than last year. Diaw and Mills aren't playing as well, and Manu doesn't give much except TOs. Shitter isn't 100%, and Baynes isn't starter quality.

Unless Tim goes bat shit crazy this team will struggle to make it to WCF.

[GrandeDavid]

Spurs will lose in 2nd round most likely.

The only reason why I'd say they'll get past the Rockets is because it's a Houston team, and Houston teams choke. And forget the Jordanless titles.

[BatManu20]

[QUOTEhttp://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/)=Spurs9;7934967]We aren't winning anything without Tiago.[/QUOTEhttp://cdncache-a.akamaihd.net/items/it/img/arrow-10x10.png (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/)]

[BatManu20]

If Danny doesn't go 0/0 again like he did against the Pels last week, then we have a shot. And as always, it all hinges on health, which is an uncertainty with Splitter right now.

[CGD]

How crazy would not be if the Spurs make it to the finals without HCA, and then, with HCA, lose to Cleveland in the finals.

Also, if there was a team ripe for an upset in the first round in the west it's Houston. Spurs could get HCA assuming they can beat the clips.

[slick'81]

If anyone can do it the spurs can but make no mistake about it this series is gonna go atleast 6-7

[barbacoataco]

Sometimes I think it all comes down to Green. When he is hitting 3ptrs and zoned in on defense, it combines with Leonard to make a tough combo. Diaw is also a x-player, but when Green has the hot hand the Spurs are unstoppable.