Game #58: Spurs vs. Hornets, Spurs to release Finley

By FanSided Staff
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Michael Finley in happier times

After a win yesterday against the Phoenix Suns, the Spurs (33-24) step into the Hornets nest to take on New Orleans (31-29).  The game starts at 8 Eastern/7 Central and can be seen on FSN Southwest or heard on 1200 WOAI-AM.

Season Series:  San Antonio 113, New Orleans 96, October 28 at San AntonioSan Antonio 97, New Orleans 90, January 18 at New Orleans

These teams will play one more time this season, on Friday.

Both teams played yesterday, San Antonio beat Phoenix and New Orleans lost to Dallas.  New Orleans’ game was late last night and for a team that doesn’t have as much depth due to injury, that could take it’s toll.  Chris Paul is out, but the Hornets back court is nothing to apaulogize for.  (See what I did there?)  Darren Collison is making a late push for rookie of the year and Marcus Thornton has been solid off the bench.

The Spurs should be able to score a lot of points as New Orleans defense has given up 100 or more points in 10 of the 14 games since Chris Paul was injured.  The key on defense will be to limit what Collison can do.  Last night, he nearly carried the Hornets to a victory against Dallas.  New Orleans is also handicapped by head coach Jeff Bower’s choice of appearance.  As you may have noticed, Richard Jefferson’s play has picked up since he shaved his goatee, Bower also sports the cursed bald head/facial hair combination.  New Orleans was the 7th seed last year, and would miss the playoffs if they started today.  Coincidence?  I think not.

New Orleans coach Jeff Bower sporting the dreaded bald head, facial hair combination.

Forecast: 35 percent chance of Ian Mahinmi

If the Hornets play like they did in the 1st half against Dallas last night, it’ll be a blowout.  If they play like they did in the 2nd half against Dallas, it’ll be a tough match up.

In other news today, ESPN is reporting the Spurs are going to release Michael Finley.  Finley, has barely played this year, and if released before midnight will be able to appear in the playoffs for another team.

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