McDonald: Spurs Monthly Planner: April

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Spurs monthly planner: April
Jeff McDonald

E-N staff writer Jeff McDonald takes a look at the games, foes and faces to watch during the Spurs’ month to come:

Save the date

April 5 at Cleveland: At one time, this looked like a potential Finals preview, and it still could be. With the way the Spurs are struggling at the beginning of April, however, this one becomes more about the present than the future. A victory against one of the NBA’s elite — in an arena where the Cavs have lost just once this year — would work wonders toward restoring the Spurs’ flagging confidence.

Set the TiVo

April 15 vs. New Orleans: The season finale against a division rival could be meaningful, with a division le, playoff seeding and home-court advantage on the line. Or all of the above could be settled by then, in which case this game would be completely meaningless.

Catch a movie instead

April 12 at Sacramento: The Kings are playing out the string on another lost season, and are doing so with a few of their formerly best players now playing for other teams. The one note: Drew Gooden played one game with these guys once. Ignore this one and go see “Hannah Montana: The Movie” instead.

Spur of the month

Manu Ginobili: Much, if not all, of the Spurs’ hopes for a successful playoff run rest on the health of Ginobili’s ankles. He appeared to be nearing full strength at the end of March. If he can find a groove during the next eight games, it will bode well.

Foe focus

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City (April 7): The Spurs suddenly can’t seem to beat the Thunder, and Durant is a major reason why. The former University of Texas star was nearly unguardable in an OKC victory at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, throwing in 31 points. If the Spurs are to break their losing streak to the team formerly known as the Sonics, they’ll need to keep the ball out of Durant’s mitts.

The crystal ball

March was decidedly no fun for the Spurs. They finished 9-8, their worst finish to that particular month since Tim Duncan’s senior year at Wake Forest. If they don’t get in sync soon, April could be as rough. Five of the Spurs’ eight games are on the road, with the home games coming against playoff-bound Portland, Utah and New Orleans. Call it 5-3, and hope for the best.

[Spursfan092120]

April 12 at Sacramento:

The Kings are playing out the string on another lost season, and are doing so with a few of their formerly best players now playing for other teams. The one note: Drew Gooden played one game with these guys once. Ignore this one and go see “Hannah Montana: The Movie” instead.

Thanks for the jinx, Jeff.

[Spursmania]

For some reason Mcdonald just annoys me.