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01-01-2008, 09:08 AM
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Pro basketball: Spurs' January planner
Web Posted: 12/31/2007 10:47 PM CST
Jeff McDonald
San Antonio Express-News
Schedule
3: @Denver
4: New York
6: @L.A. Clippers
7: @Golden State
10: Detroit
12: Minnesota
14: Philadelphia
17: Cleveland
19: @Houston
21: @Charlotte
23: L.A. Lakers
24: @Miami
26: New Orleans
28: @Utah
29: @Seattle
31: @Phoenix
Must-see TV
Jan. 31 @Phoenix: Robert Horry will probably need to enter town under the cloak of night, and with an armed guard. This will be his first trip to Phoenix since he hip-checked Steve Nash into the AT&T Center scorer's table in last year's Western Conference semifinals. His return adds another juicy storyline to what already is one of the league's best rivalries.
Return of the King
Jan. 17 vs. Cleveland: LeBron James' coronation didn't quite go as planned in last year's NBA Finals — the Spurs swept him into an early summer vacation. So far, the Cavs haven't looked quite up to a Finals return, but James has been spectacular. He enters January averaging 28.8 points per game.
Circus comes to town
Friday vs. New York: In the aftermath of Isiah Thomas' sexual harasment trial, and in the midst of Stephon Marbury's apparent strike, it's difficult to remember that the Knicks also are a nightmare on the court as well. Will Thomas show up at the AT&T Center with a bag over his head? Will Marbury show up at all? Stay tuned.
Foe focus
Chris Paul, Hornets (Jan. 26, AT&T Center): There are a small handful of players who could challenge Tony Parker for the title of "Best Young Point Guard in the West." Paul is one of them. He averaged 25.6 points and 10 assists during the month of December, and remains the main reason New Orleans is nipping at the Spurs' heels in the Southwest Division.
Fantasy play
Michael Finley vs. Nuggets (Thursday): A famously streaky shooter, Finley seems to be on the upswing now. He has scored in double figures in 10 of the past 11 games, the most consistent such string of his Spurs career. Finley probably hasn't been owned in many fantasy leagues so far this season, but he's worth riding while he's hot.
Monthly prediction
The Spurs struggled at times during an injury-filled December. They will need to be at full health to survive what could shape up to be a jagged January. The Spurs face nine teams which were in the playoffs last year, and for the first month this season will play more games on the road than at home. Call it 10-6.
Pro basketball: Spurs' January planner
Web Posted: 12/31/2007 10:47 PM CST
Jeff McDonald
San Antonio Express-News
Schedule
3: @Denver
4: New York
6: @L.A. Clippers
7: @Golden State
10: Detroit
12: Minnesota
14: Philadelphia
17: Cleveland
19: @Houston
21: @Charlotte
23: L.A. Lakers
24: @Miami
26: New Orleans
28: @Utah
29: @Seattle
31: @Phoenix
Must-see TV
Jan. 31 @Phoenix: Robert Horry will probably need to enter town under the cloak of night, and with an armed guard. This will be his first trip to Phoenix since he hip-checked Steve Nash into the AT&T Center scorer's table in last year's Western Conference semifinals. His return adds another juicy storyline to what already is one of the league's best rivalries.
Return of the King
Jan. 17 vs. Cleveland: LeBron James' coronation didn't quite go as planned in last year's NBA Finals — the Spurs swept him into an early summer vacation. So far, the Cavs haven't looked quite up to a Finals return, but James has been spectacular. He enters January averaging 28.8 points per game.
Circus comes to town
Friday vs. New York: In the aftermath of Isiah Thomas' sexual harasment trial, and in the midst of Stephon Marbury's apparent strike, it's difficult to remember that the Knicks also are a nightmare on the court as well. Will Thomas show up at the AT&T Center with a bag over his head? Will Marbury show up at all? Stay tuned.
Foe focus
Chris Paul, Hornets (Jan. 26, AT&T Center): There are a small handful of players who could challenge Tony Parker for the title of "Best Young Point Guard in the West." Paul is one of them. He averaged 25.6 points and 10 assists during the month of December, and remains the main reason New Orleans is nipping at the Spurs' heels in the Southwest Division.
Fantasy play
Michael Finley vs. Nuggets (Thursday): A famously streaky shooter, Finley seems to be on the upswing now. He has scored in double figures in 10 of the past 11 games, the most consistent such string of his Spurs career. Finley probably hasn't been owned in many fantasy leagues so far this season, but he's worth riding while he's hot.
Monthly prediction
The Spurs struggled at times during an injury-filled December. They will need to be at full health to survive what could shape up to be a jagged January. The Spurs face nine teams which were in the playoffs last year, and for the first month this season will play more games on the road than at home. Call it 10-6.