San Antonio Spurs vs New York Knicks: Predictions, Key Matchups, Injuries, More

The San Antonio Spurs play their second game of a back-to-back tonight at home against the New York Knicks.

The game is scheduled for 7:30 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 New York? 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 to get at least one win in their back-to-back games. The Spurs lost the first part of their back-to-back last night, falling to the Jazz in Utah 100-96.

Emotions ran high in that game as San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich was ejected in the game. Since their eight game winning streak, the Spurs have gone 2-2 with losses against two under .500 teams, Brooklyn and Utah.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks come into this game looking to snap a nine game losing streak. Things have been rough for the Knicks after starting out the season 2-1 as they have only won two of their last 20 games.

New York’s most recent loss was last night against the Pelicans in New Orleans. The Knicks have played relatively well on the second night of a back-to-back, winning 25% of those game compared to their current 4-19 record.

Injuries

San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan, Power Forward – Duncan is listed as questionable for tonight’s game. It is the second night of a back-to-back against a struggling Knicks team so Popovich may elect to rest his star forward. Expect either Boris Diaw or Aron Baynes to get the start tonight if Duncan sits.

Manu Ginobili, Shooting Guard – Ginobili, like Duncan, is listed as questionable due to the tonight’s game being the second night of a back-to-back. Look for Marco Belinelli to pick up Ginobili’s minutes if he sits this game out.

Kawhi Leonard, Small Forward – Leonard is dealing with a bruised right hand and is listed as out. Look for Marco Belinelli to pick up the start in his place.

Patty Mills, Point Guard – Mills is still healing from surgery on his torn rotator cuff. Expect his minutes to go to Cory Joseph.

Tony Parker, Point Guard – Parker was hurting with a broken/bruised rib and now is also dealing with a mild hamstring strain that was suffered in the Spurs win over Memphis. He is listed as questionable according to the team’s official injury report. If he is unable to go, look for Cory Joseph to pick up the start.

Tiago Splitter, Center – Splitter re-aggravated his right calf injury in the game against the Hawks and is listed as probable for tonight’s game. Look for Boris Diaw and Matt Bonner to pick up his minutes if Splitter can’t go.

New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony, Small Forward – Anthony is being bothered by a left knee issue. It has not forced him out of games recently, but, he is listed as questionable for tonight’s game. Expect Tim Hardaway Jr. to pick up Anthony’s minutes he is unable to go.

Key Matchups

Tonight’s key matchup is a result of a lack of options due to injuries on the San Antonio Spurs roster. Winning the battle between Amar’e Stoudemire and the Spurs frontcourt will be key to claiming victory tonight. While Stoudemire is nowhere near the star he formerly was, the forward can still have good games. Stoudemire will be relied on more so tonight with New York’s main star, Carmelo Anthony, potentially out with injury. Even if Anthony plays Stoudemire will have to shoulder a bigger offensive load as the Knicks star forward would still be playing with injury.

The Spurs bench will have to step up big time tonight with so many of San Antonio’s stars out for tonight’s game. The Spurs have one of the deepest benches in the league but that depth will definitely be tested tonight against he Knicks with many of San Antonio’s reserves getting starts. The key focus of tonight’s reserves will be containing the Knicks’ stars. If the Spurs bench players can’t limit New York’s best players, San Antonio could be in for a long night.. . . SAN ANTONIO SPURS BENCH. R

PF. Amar’e Stoudemire may no longer be the star he was, but, he could fool anyone with his recent performances. OVer his last five games, Stoudemire has averaged 16.8 points and 7.6 rebounds while shooting a scorching 61.4% from the field. This has allowed the Knicks to come awfully close to ending their losing streak, coming within five points in four of their last five games. New York will rely on Stoudemire more tonight if Carmelo is unable to go. If he can eat up a depleted Spurs frontcourt, the Knicks could be looking at their first win in ten games.. PF. New York Knicks. AMAR'E STOUDEMIRE

Prediction

The San Antonio Spurs, especially head coach Gregg Popovich, was absolutely shocked with the way they played against the Utah Jazz. With so many Spurs sidelined, Pop might be in for another long night.

If we learned anything from last night’s game it’s that losing streaks have to end sometime. The Jazz ended their nine game losing streak last night and now the Knicks will end their nine game losing streak tonight.

Look for New York to take advantage of a depleted Spurs team and shock San Antonio fans for the second straight night in a close affair.

92. 29. 97. 27.

Next: Spurs Player Grades in Loss to Jazz

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