I'm not 100% sure of Popovich playing everybody tonight vs the no PG Clippers. Not much to win and some to risk in the long term morale battle that Pop likes to play during RS when playing potential playoff rivals.
Everybody will be looking at nephew's match-up (Murray?) but there some other things to pay attention to:
- Clippers' rim protection weakness. Zubac hasn't played Aldridge a lot so that's the second most interesting matchup. Murray and DeRozan will continue attacking the rim and it doesn't look like this Clippers team can collapse the paint very efficiently. They rely on very good 1on1 defenders and those individual matchup will be key. If Spurs creators can leave behind their men, Clippers defense could collapse.
- The second weak point is on court direction. As with his defensive plan, Rivers' offensive plan is based on individual abilities. Whithout true PGs in terms of playmaking, the two All-Stars must generate shots not only for themselves but for everybody else. Lou Williams has a key role for them every season and he's even more important now they don't have George. If Derrick White and Poetl can keep him under control then their second unit will struggle to score.
- Spurs team defense has to show up today. Taking care of the ball is another must. You can't expect to beat a le contender making unforced mistakes.
- DeJounte Murray playing the toughest PG in the league. What's going to happen? PG battle should have a great impact in the game.
- Suprising X factors? Harrell under the boards? Shamet? Which bench plays better?
If Popovich doesn't give rest to anybody, it could be a very interesting game.