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I was going to make the nightly match-up “Parker vs. Williams” but a) it’s just too easy and b) it’s really not the most intriguing match-up this evening. As the inimitable Tom Ziller has correctly noted, tonight’s Jazz-Spurs contest is about the battle between Tim Duncan and the up-and-coming Paul Millsap.

Duncan has dominated the Jazz’s frontcourt over the last several seasons. “Superstar” Carlos Boozer has failed to slow down Duncan on the offensive end and has proved incapable of scoring consistently against the 2-time MVP. But this season Paul Millsap has begun to supplant Boozer as the Jazz’s primary post presence (Boozer’s injury woes have aided Millsap’s rise). Many commentators are beginning to suggest that, if the Jazz intend to build a true contender in SLC, Millsap may be the more cost-effective building block. Going head-to-head with the marquee power forward of the last decade is a good way to judge how far Millsap has truly come.

A game against an up-and-coming PF is also a good way for Duncan to get back on track. His performance against Andrew Bynum in Sunday’s Spurs-Lakers game was underwhelming. Duncan consistently got out-hustled on both ends of the floor. If he plays with the same limp intensity againt a player like Millsap, who is known for his “motor,” it will be a frustrating evening for Spurs fans. That being said, I am confident the big fundamental will get back on track tonight. The game starts at 9 Eastern/8 Central.