Round 1, Game 3 Preview: San Antonio Spurs (2-0) at Los Angeles Lakers (0-2)

Apr 24, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) gets a pat on the head from teammate Tim Duncan (21) during game two of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at AT

The scene shifts to Los Angeles, the City Of Angels, for games three and four of the Western Conference Playoffs.  The San Antonio Spurs (2-0) are now looking to continue their success against the Lakers this post season by stealing at least one from them in their arena.

In years past the Spurs have not been a team that lets say, has not had the luck on the road come playoff time.  Last season, San Antonio played three games on the road and lost every game.  What the Spurs need to do is carry over the gameplan they had the first two games in this series when they tip-off game three Friday Night on ESPN.

Though the play of Tim Duncan and Tiago Splitter has really upset Dwight Howard, leading him to accuse the duo of flopping, they need to continue to hold their ground on the defensive end and continue to get into the head of not only Howard but Gasol as well.

Matt Bonner, please stand up!  Is this what all Spurs fans were hoping to see in April from the Red Rocket, Red Mamba?  Bonner through two games is averaging ten points per game and shooting 75% from beyond the arc.  He and the bench have been key to the Spurs two games to zero lead.

In our predictions at the start of this series, I stated that the Spurs would take this in five.  With the Lakers being banged up with Steve Blake being out indefinitely, Steve Nash and Jodie Meeks doubtful for game three, this team has no chance.

If San Antonio takes game three, you better believe the talks of sweep will be coming right after the horn sounds from Game three.

PROBABLE STARTERS

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

Bench PlayersGary Neal, Matt Bonner, Manu Ginobili – [insert your own player here]

CoachesGregg Popovich – Mike D’Antoni

GAME AND BROADCAST INFORMATION

When:  Friday, April 26th at 9:30 PM (Spurs Time)Where:  Staples Center, Los Angeles, CaliforniaTelevision:  ESPN/FSSW   Radio:  1200 AM WOAI

For perspective on the Los Angeles Lakers, head over to Fansided’s own Lake Show Life.