Spurs vs Celtics Previews

[Amuseddaysleeper]

The Spurs have shot under 40% from the field in 7 games this season. They are 1-6 in those games -- they somehow beat Minnesota despite being under 40%.

Of those 6 losses, Violet Palmer has been on the floor for 3 -- at Philadelphia (SA shot .333); at LA Clippers (SA shot .356); vs. New Orleans (SA shot .388).

Of those 6 losses, Dan Crawford has been on the floor for 2 -- the game at Philadelphia and the game against New Orleans at home.

In fact, in the Spurs October 30, 2010 loss at home to New Orleans -- when they shot .388 from the floor and suffered one of their 4 home losses this season -- the officiating crew was:

Dan Crawford, Tony Brothers, and Violet Palmer.

Major props on the research FWD.

That's my #1 concern going into these playoffs. Not even the lack of size (assuming Splitter sees no burn) or the lack of a quality perimeter defender, but the fact that if the Spurs only end up shooting 42% from the floor, they will most likely lose the game, as they have nothing else to fall back on.

They're like 47-1 when outshooting their opponent (Portland buzzer beater being the lone defeat). In the playoffs the defenses will obviously be much harder to score on, and I fear the Spurs may not be able to slug out a low scoring/poor shooting game like the ol' days.

[duncan228]

No change to Spurs injury report: Parker, McDyess will play. Manu, Duncan still game-time decisions


McDyess says Spurs understand what's at stake down stretch: "The playoffs start now."

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Thursday: Celtics (51-22) at Spurs (57-17)
Jeff McDonald

...Spurs riding a four-game losing streak, their longest in the regular season since dropping four straight from March 12-17, 2008. They are looking to avoid first five-game skid since losing final six games of 1996-97 campaign...Boston has lost seven of its past 12

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursna...t-spurs-57-17/

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Tiago says TD looked ready at practice
Tim Griffin

..."He practiced well,” Splitter said. “I don’t know how he feels. At least, he didn’t show anything. I hope he can play tomorrow.”


...“After that game, nobody felt good about it,” Splitter said. ” But I think the best is that Timmy is better, Manu is better, Tony is better, Dice is also. I think we can wish for the best today and (hope) for a nice day tomorrow.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursna...y-at-practice/

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Celtics veteran O’Neal returning to lineup

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursna...ing-to-lineup/

[lefty]

Damn, go easy on that mouse, 228

[Rummpd]

Tiago has a great at ude for someone, and a former international star, who has been sadly treated like a 10-12th man all year. He is saying and doing all the right things lately and hope that has Pop's and the teams' attention.

[duncan228]

Advanced Scouting: Boston Celtics at San Antonio Spurs – Injury Updates and Ewing Theory statistics
by Scott Sereday
48 Minutes of

Boston Celtics at San Antonio Spurs 7:00 CST March 31, 2011

The Spurs have picked up 4 consecutive losses while Tim Duncan is resting his ankle. Manu Ginobili contributed practically nothing to 2 of these contests while Tony Parker and Antonio McDyess sat out one game each. Although the Spurs have “struggled” finding wins as of late, it can be argued that they have played well and, in my opinion, face more manageable long-term issues than their opponent tonight.

Keep reading →

[Killakobe81]

Can't find it my heart to ever "root" for the Celts ...but a loss here by the spurs would make things interesting. I'll just root for a good game either team losing helps the Lakers anyway. But I NEVER root for the Celts ...

[duncan228]

C's expect full-strength Spurs
By Chris Forsberg
ESPN Boston

While San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich won't tip his hand about who his team will have available for Thursday night's battle with the Celtics, Boston coach Doc Rivers told his players to prepare for everyone.

Spurs stars Tim Duncan (sprained left ankle), Manu Ginobili (left quadriceps contusion), Tony Parker (left patella contusion), and Antonio McDyess (lower back contusion) all sat out Monday's loss to Portland, but Rivers has a feeling they'll all be back on the floor Thursday night at the AT&T Center.

"I think they all will play," said Rivers. "I told our guys that a week ago. They've done this twice. Last year they rested their guys up to play against us and [this year the Spurs] did it again. Duncan was an injury, but now he's healthy. I have no doubts they're all playing. It's one of the games they get up for when they play us, and I hope we do, too."

Given that his own troops typically play up to the level of their compe ion -- part of the reason the Celtics have dropped seven of their last 12, mostly to inferior teams -- Rivers thinks Thursday's matchup could bring out the best of his team, but cautioned against putting too much stock in any regular-season game.

As his team prepares to joust with a top Western Conference foe, Rivers said he's not overly concerned how Boston's Eastern Conference rivals are faring.

"I can't worry about them," Rivers said of the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat. "I don't even worry about them, I worry about us. We have to take care of ourselves... More importantly [than Boston's overall record], we have to take care of getting ready for the playoffs. At the end of the day, that's all I'm concerned with. I'm not concerned by [the East rivals]."

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celti...strength-spurs

[duncan228]

Not official, but: Tim Duncan's and Manu Ginobili's game jerseys hanging in their lockers. Usually, a tell-tale sign of who expects to play.

[ThePop]

[Budkin]

yeah... I just saw that and put it in the Duncan thread! Woot!

[duncan228]

‎
Pop makes it official. Everyone is playing vs. Bos. Yes, that means Tim Duncan. Yes that means Manu Ginobili.

[Budkin]

Wooo hoooo!