Game #43 Preview: Spurs vs Knicks

Parker had 26 points and 6 assists in the teams loss on January 4th. Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images

In for another shootout? Well the last time the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks met up it definitely was that.  Back on January 4th, the San Antonio Spurs headed into Madison Square Garden to take on Amare Stoudemire and the Knicks.  San Antonio gave up 72 points in the first half to the Knicks as they put up 69.

Defense! Where was the defense?

The final would favor the Knicks as they put up the most the Spurs have given up all season 128 to 115.  On this night, Wilson Chandler finished with 31, Amare Stoudemire and Raymond Felton with 28 each, oh and by the way, they (Knicks) played just eight players against us.

It has to be different tonight, right?

We return home for our second match-up with the Knicks and the AT&T Center will be jumping yet again as the Spurs look to get their 17th straight there as well as win number eight in a row.  Though the task will be a tough one against the heavy offensive minded Knicks, in recent history the Spurs have done very well at home against this team.  The Spurs have held the Knicks to just under 86 at home.

You like history don’t you?

I am excited to see Amare Stoudemire and these Knicks as I will be at the game. Wait what!? Your excited to see the other team?  Well who wouldn’t want to see Stoudemire play.  I liked him when he was with Phoenix.

We all know that Popovich has already worked up a gameplan to take down Stoudemire.

Coming off of a double-double against the Raptors, Blair has sparked this Spurs team.

San Antonio is coming off of a comeback victory against the Toronto Raptors.  Many are worried about the big three, but during their current streak, DeJuan Blair has been consistent.

The second-year center had 18 points and 13 rebounds in a 101-89 win over Dallas last Friday, then had 22 points and 11 boards against Toronto.

The Spurs are 7-0 when Blair has a double-double.

George Hill spoke on Blair and his play:

“It can get scary because he can do so much,” backup guard George Hill said of Blair, who had 17 points and eight rebounds in 17 minutes at MSG earlier this month. “He’s quick for his size, he’s starting to get a nice little touch around the basket.”

Here is how I see the match-ups for tonight:

PG | Parker vs Felton | Parker and Felton went head to head last time out and Felton got the better out of two.  I don’t see him getting off to a strong start this go around.  EDGE: Spurs

SG | Ginobili vs Fields | Ginobili scored 15 last go around. He is having a remarkable year to say the least.  Landry Fields is a rookie and has some good upside to his game.  EDGE: Spurs

SF | Jefferson vs Turiaf | Jefferson has to have a better game then he did against the Raptors.  RJ had just 2 points.  He needs to be a factor tonight. EDGE: Spurs

PF | Duncan vs Stoudemire | What can you say about this match-up.  Stoudemire is so athletic it is scary.  He possesses a lot of things that many teams want, and most need.  He had a 28 point performance in the last meeting.  Stoudemire and Duncan both can hit the outside shots.  Stoudemire can go by you quick, Duncan not so.  This is going to be a battle.  I want to give the edge about even but Stoudmire is on a high since going to New York. EDGE: Knicks

C | Blair vs Chandler | Chandler has picked up his scoring for New York.  That is a good thing for them when Stoudemire is double-teamed during games.  Chandler scored a game high 30 and hit 3 of 6 from three point.  He can take Blair away from the basket and that could hurt us.  Blair is also playing well.  Coming off of a career night against the Raptors, look for his energy to pick up this team. EDGE: Even

Bench | George Hill had 13 off of the bench in the last meeting.  Gary Neal added 8.  For the Knicks they had 24 from the only three that came off to play.  Hoping to see an old Spur in Roger Mason get some PT against his old team.  I really liked Mase when he was here, but hey we got Neal now right.  Spurs bench has to contribute and put some points on the board. EDGE: Spurs

The game will be televised Nationally on ESPN starting at 8:00 PM EST and locally on Fox Sports Southwest.

Be sure to check out the New York Knicks blog here at Fansided for their take on the game tonight, Buckets Over Broadway.