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Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Boston Celtics
By Jay Desai
The San Antonio Spurs kick off a four game road trip tonight, starting with a game against the Celtics in Boston.
The game is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT and will be televised on Fox Sports Southwest. The game can also be heard on the radio on WOAI 1200 AM.
How will San Antonio fare against Boston? We take a look at recent history, injuries, and key matchups to predict the outcome of the game!
Recent Games
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs head into this game looking for their seventh straight victory. The Spurs have been on fire as of late, winning nine of their last 10 games. Even a head coaching change could not mess up their momentum with assistant coach Ettore Messina taking over the last two games for Gregg Popovich who is recovering from a minor medical procedure.
San Antonio won their last game at home against the Sacramento Kings, 112-104, and is looking to keep their winning ways up tonight. Tony Parker is also looking to stay hot after scoring 20-plus points in his last four outings.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics come into this game looking to break out of their recent funk. After starting the season at an even 3-3, the club has suffered as of late, losing six of their last seven games.
The Celtics have been in the game in four of their recent six losses which is promising, but, Boston will need a very good effort tonight if they are to defeat a streaking Spurs team.
Injuries
San Antonio Spurs
Patty Mills, Point Guard – Mills is still healing from surgery on his torn rotator cuff. Expect his at the point to go to other guards on this Spurs roster, maybe even to rookie Kyle Anderson.
Tiago Splitter, Center – Splitter re-aggravated his right calf injury in the game against the Hawks and is listed as day-to-day with no timetable for return. Look for Boris Diaw and Matt Bonner to pick up his minutes.
Boston Celtics
Marcus Smart, Point Guard – Smart is nursing an ankle injury he suffered towards the beginning of this month. He did participate in practice yesterday, however, his game status is unsure. Smart has not played since November 7th so his return to the court should be expected soon since the injury is not very serious. Look for Phil Pressey to get some more extended playing time if Smart is unable to go.
Key Matchups
Tonight’s key matchup is a battle of the point guards. Two elite point guards clash tonight in the San Antonio Spurs’ Tony Parker and the Boston Celtics’ Rajon Rondo. Both point guards are two of the best in the league and are capable of tilting the game in their team’s favor when they are on their “A” game. The matchup is even more interesting because of the different skill set each guard has. Parker is more of a scoring guard while Rondo is known for his flashy assist totals.
PG. Tony Parker has been phenomenal as of late. The French guard has posted 20 or more points in his last four games. Even better, it seems his assist numbers are rising as well with a 7 assist average over the last three games. Parker has also displayed his much improved three-point shot, making him all the more dangerous for Rondo. A lot of shots within the offense and early ball movement seem to be the recipe for success tonight for Parker and the Spurs.. PG. San Antonio Spurs. TONY PARKER
PG. Rajon Rondo is one of the more talented passers in the game and that aspect of his game has been on full display to start this season. Rondo has accounted for more than 40% of his team’s assist total, averaging a league leading 10.6 assists per game. It’s not only his passing ability that is stellar though. Rondo has a great all-around game, evident by the 9.9 points and 7.5 rebounds he is averaging this season. It’s up to Rondo to get this team going if the Celtics want a chance to win. Over the last five games for Boston, four of which have been losses, Rondo has only been averaging 8.6 assists. That number must be a lot better tonight for the Celtics to stay close to the Spurs.. PG. Boston Celtics. RAJON RONDO
Prediction
The San Antonio Spurs seem to be getting healthier by the day, their most recent additions being Cory Joseph and most likely Gregg Popovich. With all that talent on the Spurs sideline, it’s tough to image San Antonio not coming away with the victory, especially given the Celtics’ recent struggles.
The Spurs’ hot offense will be just too much for Boston to handle and San Antonio will run away with this game. The Celtics really need some wins to instill confidence into their young team and get them back on track. Unfortunately for Boston though, tonight will not be that night.
18. . 106. 29. 91
Next: Post-Game Grades: San Antonio Spurs vs Sacramento Kings