Game Preview: Spurs @ Pacers

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Lost amid all the trade speculation heading into the deadline is the fact that the Spurs have an important game tonight.

For all the talk of their struggles and demise–and there has been reason for it–the Spurs could move within a half game of the Dallas Mavericks with a win tonight.

More promising is the last time we saw the Spurs in action may have been the first time we’ve truly seen the Spurs all season. Or it may have been an aberration. It will be interesting to see if the Spurs can sustain the execution they showed on the defensive end they showed in Denver.

For a second game in a row, Richard Jefferson faces off against high scoring small forward. And while that might be the matchup of the night most nights, I suspect there will be more eyes on any odd fluctuations in minutes (provided you can make sense of any of the Spurs rotation this season) looking for any hints of a pending trade.

There are 11 games on the schedule tonight and a number of players whose playing time merits keeping an eye on. Amare Stoudemire suspects this will be his last night as a member of the Phoenix Suns. Teams are still looking into acquiring the Wizards Antawn Jamison. A number of teams could be playing with a shortened rotation tonight and it could be fun sifting through the box scores and speculating on trades a mere few hours before the deadline hits.

The Pacers may or may not have Troy Murphy before the night is through.

For Spurs fans, it will be interesting to keep an eye on Roger Mason, who had a solid game in Denver but has recently let it be known he would be open to a trade. Or Antonio McDyess, who the Spurs are (depending on what report you believe) either shopping around or listening to offers for.

  • Anthony Gomez

    Yes, it will be a very interesting night for the NBA! On another note, Tony parker getting his much needed rest is good for his P.F. Also, Lets see if Jefferson can keep it going tonight!

  • idahospur

    ESPN Spurs vs. Pacers preview:
    http://espn.go.com/nba/preview?gameId=300217011

    Duncan says he doesn’t expect any trades from the Spurs.

    “I think we’re going to go to the second half with the group that we have,” Duncan said. “If something happens, then something happens, but through our history we haven’t done anything in the middle of the season. So, we’re going to continue to work with the pieces that we have and hopefully we can get it to turn.”

  • Javier

    Go Spurs, Go!
    I have been waiting all season to *understand* these Spurs, and I hope that the Denver game foreshadows good things for this squad in the second half. I guess we will begin to see tonight…

  • Nadeem

    That Duncan quote is from the all-star weekend. A lot of water has flown under the bridge since then.

  • DieHardSpur

    We NEED to win 5 of our next 6 games, and it is completely doable. Realisticly, the way we have been playing is will be 4wins of the next 6. If we dont turn it around, I say we let all of our expiring contracts walk and sign Manu to a 2 year – 6 million dollar deal, if he will accept. Does anyone see this happening?

    Between the 1,2, and 3 spot – there are 146 minutes. I would love for it to break down like this…

    Manu – 35
    Roger – 25
    George – 28
    Tony – 30
    Richard – 28

    Everyone except Tony can play the 3.

    Have we ever thought of using Parker as “spot” minutes. When he is in, dont let him run the offense, dont let him pass, his only job is to break down the defense, drive, and score on open jumpers. Then pull him out and put in our other team player to get everyone else involved. In this case, I would not have Tony start.

    Thoughts?

  • Errin

    That doesn’t sound half bad but i dont think George can play the 3.

  • td4life

    @DieHardSpur
    One way or another, the spurs need better playmaking that what the TP does to our offense, especially if we want to see major growth from a Ty Thomas, and even Blair, Hill… Would a healthy Tony work as a go to scorer off the bench? I think that if he can’t make a role like that work, then he better have extraordinary teammates around him as a starter, or be on a bad team with a poor record… in any case, with his contract, he is tradable over the next 12 months, and it will be interesting to see what his value will be.

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  • DieHardSpur

    @ Errin – George can effectively play the three when the Spurs go to Pop’s beloved small ball, due to his freakishly long arms, he can guard the three as well.

  • DieHardSpur

    @TD4Life

    That is exactly my point with Tony – only use him to score, and score fast. Anyone can toss the ball in to Timmy. Use Parker for the sole purpose getting in the paint and breaking the defense down. Use him in 6-7 minute intervals.

  • idahospur

    ESPN says Heat no longer interested in Mason.

    http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/category/_/name/truehoop-trade-reports

    It appears the Spurs were trying to give him away for some tax relief. Doesn’t sound like the FO really wants to make major moves.

  • doggydogworld

    @Nadeem – a lot of rumors have “flown” under the bridge since Tim’s quote. No actual water.

  • zainn

    It seems that the grizz are interested in mason…
    http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ys-tradebuzz021710&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

    Mason and jefferson for zach randolph and jamall tinsley
    http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ylavoex
    if they really want him that bad….

  • zainn

    well, i think we should trade:
    splitter’s rights (or 2011 1st round pick), mason and a 2011 second round pick for Marc Gasol. This gasol will be just as good as the laker’s gasol in the near future which will be much better than any rookie, and also will satsify pop from the lakers trade that occured years ago. LOL.

  • not as good as I once was

    I really don’t see the Spurs making any trades, unless it is to help with some tax relief. Unless some miracules deal drops in thier lap. I believe they will finish the season with what they have and then do what ever changes they need to make.