Van Gundy "Rockets are favorites if they play the Spurs"

[DesignatedT]

All the potential matchups have a big who can help nuetralize Duncan. LAL with Howard, HOU with Asik and potentially GS with Bogut ( if he's healthy)

[DesignatedT]

Playing Houston would be better for the Spurs in the long run IMO. The Lakers are the weaker team and playing that team doesn't do much to get you ready for DEN in the 2nd round. Running up and down with Houston does.

[hater]

JVG just said the Spurs would beat the Lakers in a 1st round series, regardless of whether Manu returns to form or not. He said the Lakers wouldn't win any playoff series, let alone one against the Spurs.

no wonder I like this guy Van Gundy. I posted this early this morning

cosign. lakers are like jackson 5 without MJ. They and the Dantonio system will get terribly exposed in playoffs(if they make it). they are not going to win more than 1 playoff game vs anyone.

what really worries me is facing Houston or GS in the 1st round

[hater]

Playing Houston would be better for the Spurs in the long run IMO. The Lakers are the weaker team and playing that team doesn't do much to get you ready for DEN in the 2nd round. Running up and down with Houston does.

I was thinking Houston is more similar to OKC which is the team to beat. But let's wake up. Spurs need all the help they can get in round 1. They need to get their straight before even thinking of facing compe ion. IMO round 1 is Spurs training camp. Season Starts in round 2 (if they make it that far)

[Johnny RIngo]

I think if Manu can put up similar scoring and assist numbers the spurs will be fine. Something like 14 PPG and 5 APG. He's going to be shooting the rock and getting open looks so he has to shoot the three at a better clip then the last 3 post-seasons. He needs to be up around 40% from long range.

Manu won't even average 10 ppg in the post-season - guarantee that.

[Malice]

"<insert team here> are the favorites if they play the Spurs."

Pretty much this. man...this season went from potential to in literally a few weeks...

[therealtruth]

If Gary Neal, DB, MB are playing lots of minutes I don't think it will be pretty.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Man I do not want to play the rockets Harden is that good and he will live at the free throw line

[Spurs da champs]

Exactly. What else would he say?

I guess getting fired by the Rockets & having no more players on the roster he coached gives him the bias to say Rockets? Smh

He's doesn't sound stupid saying this, not at all; Asik is big & gives Timmy problems, Harden is a Spur killer, they're fast & the Spurs are not. How absurd!

[milkyway21]

awesome PICS OF VGUNDY !!!

It seems everyone has forgotten when the Spurs back up crew almost dismantled Miami before (with no Duncan, Parker, Manu, Green, & Leonard)

BELIEVE !

[DesignatedT]

Man I do not want to play the rockets Harden is that good and he will live at the free throw line

lol on sunday it was " better not get these lakers or were toast" then on monday it was "we need to avoid gs and curry at all cost" now people are watching the hou game and saying this

[Robz4000]

Spurs could still see Golden State tbh...

[DesignatedT]

Was just about to say that. Portland only down 3 at the end of the 3rd. Watch out for that game.

[mute]

you guys are the same ppl that got mad for john berry picking okc over the spurs in 6 games.. calling him a re

[hater]

you guys are the same ppl that got mad for john berry picking okc over the spurs in 6 games.. calling him a re

[milkyway21]

I want the Lakers to face OKC in the 1st rnd

[Roxsfan]

I think he's saying that bc of youth, athleticism, speed etc......over veteran player/coach/grit.

[DesignatedT]

Alright well Golden State pulled away so it's either Rockets or Lakers for sure.

[SCdac]

Any one know what our record is when all of Duncan, Parker, and Manu are playing this season? ... I'm assuming it's pretty good... add Leonard/Splitter and probably even better.

That hasn't happened a whole lot this season, but if it happens the entirety of the playoffs, I think the Spurs can get to the WCF... From there, who knows.

Spurs have been playing like crap in the last couple weeks, but it's misleading IMO. Pop has been extra cautious with his best players (resting them) and it reflects in the record. If we roll into the playoffs with everybody playing (not necessarily at full health, but at least playing) I like our chances to get out of the first and second round.

[SenorSpur]

I guess getting fired by the Rockets & having no more players on the roster he coached gives him the bias to say Rockets? Smh

He's doesn't sound stupid saying this, not at all; Asik is big & gives Timmy problems, Harden is a Spur killer, they're fast & the Spurs are not. How absurd!

I didn't hear the context of his comment. However, if he framed it the way you did, then of course, it would justify his stance. Van Gundy has been known to make a controversial comment or two, which is why not knowing the context, it does come off a bit bias.

Back to the matchup, you are correct. Harden is a known Spurs killer and Asik is one of the top defensive centers in the NBA. If he neutralizes Duncan and the Rockets shut Parker out of the lane, the Spurs are in BIG trouble.

[widowmaker]

Stand by. Lakers are gonna win tonight.

[DatBoyGood]

Man we better not let the Lakers think they have any chance against us when we play them.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Wow Pau and Dwight are playing hard right now!!!

[widowmaker]

The case of the gifted 7th seed. Must see tv. James harden returns to okc and spurs vs lakers lol.

[DesignatedT]

Haha this has been a good game.