Game Preview, San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers

November 13, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) grabs a rebound against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

No Kawhi you can’t pat Pau on the head. You don’t know where it’s been… Yuck.

Game 80 for the San Antonio Spurs finds them entering an all too familiar enemy territory but without a giant warrior. Kobe Bryant tore his Achilles tendon Friday night and is obviously out for the rest of the regular and post season. The unofficial diagnosis is 6-9 months, however, Chauncey Billups had the same injury and did not return until almost 12 months later, and sadly has not come even close to regaining his game.

The Spurs enter the contest still fighting for the top over all spot, and what could be a potential first round match up. The Los Angeles Lakers still sport the formidable duo of Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol, while just regaining the services of one Metta World Peace. One of the all time greats, Steve Nash, is a game time decision, but with Kobe Bryant being out, its an almost certainty in my opinion that he plays.The struggling Spurs got a much needed victory against the coast..

The heck with it, the terrible Sacramento Kings. It saw the return of one Tony Parker and his impact was immediate as he scored 22 points and 10 rebounds. The Spurs enter the contest hoping to keep the good mojo going, and put behind them a week of turmoil after losing Diaw and Stephen Jackson both to different circumstances. In their last meeting the Spurs squeaked by the Lakers 108-105 all the way back on January 9th! To tell you how long ago it was, the second leading scorer of the game was Manu Ginobili with 19. Gonna go to bed and cry now…

Probable Starting Line ups

Point GuardsTony Parker – Steve Nash

 Shooting GuardsDanny Green – Jodie Meeks

 Small ForwardsKawhi Leonard – Metta World Peace

Power ForwardsTim Duncan – Pau Gasol

 CentersTiago Splitter – Dwight Howard

BenchNando De Colo, Gary Neal, Dejuan Blair, Matt Bonner – Earl Clark, Steve Blake, Antawn Jamison,Chris Duhon

  CoachesGregg Popovich – Mike D’Antoni

 Game and Broadcast InformationWhen: Sunday April 14, 8:30 PM (Central time)Where: Staples Center – Los Angeles, CaliforniaTelevision: Kens Channel 5, (local) NBATv (national) Radio: WOAI 1200

For the Lakers perspective of things head over to Fansided.com’s own Lake Show Life

Game Prediction: Not a clue. Kidding,  you come for the information but stay for the opinions amiright? Ok I’ll stop. I think it will be a semi tight game, as the Lakers are fighting for their playoff lives, however the Spurs really really want that number 1 spot now that could be either a weak Utah team or a wounded and battered Los Angeles Lakers team. Parker will have a huge game as the Lakers still have no one to guard decent point guards let alone one of the best in the league. Kawhi Leonard will rebound from three point land as well and the Spurs win a relatively easy game as the cameras pan and show a dispirited Laker bench and Mike D’Antoni working on his resume on his iPhone during timeouts.