BENCH:RAY - MR SWISH - BIRDMAN - FORBES - BIG AL - TIMO - KOUFUS
INJURIES:AFFLALO (doubtful - hamstring) - RAYMOND (probable - ankle)
SAN ANTONIO SPURS STARTING FIVE:
TONY PARKER - MANU GINOBILI - RICHARD JEFFERSON - ANTONIO McDYESS - DEJUAN BLAIR
BENCH: TIAGO SPLITTER - GEORGE HILL - GARY NEAL - MATT BONNER - STEVE NOVAK
INJURIES: TIM DUNCAN (out - scared) - DEJUAN BLAIR (probable - wrist)
KEY MATCHUP:
VS. 
These two fairly comparable point guards lead their teams into a tough Western Conference battle. The Spurs are on a 5 game win streak while the Nuggets have beaten their last 3 home opponents by an average of 34.4 points. This game promises to be closer although the Spurs might struggle in their first game since losing Tim Duncan for the next couple weeks to a badly sprained ankle. Nene should look to post up with the lack of Duncans defensive presence. Neither teams has an ideal defender to take on the other teams "foreign flopper". Wilson Chandler should make it tough on him, but Afflalo would clearly be preferred. I have a slight feeling that Richard Jefferson and Matt Bonner will be overwhelmed a bit by Gallo's ability to get to the hole and create contact. In general should be a good match up to see where the new look Nuggets fall in the west. Even without Tim Duncan who's offensive role has become smaller this season, the Spurs are still very good and a tough team to beat.
George Karl talking about catching the Thunder via ESPN wrote:They probably have too much of a gap on us, but let's try to scare them. You never know in basketball.
Danilo Gallinari via Nuggets' official website wrote:We're definitely playing great at home. I remember when I was in New York, it was tough to come into Denver and play the Nuggets because of the altitude and many reasons.
Nene via Denver Post wrote:We're enjoying it right now because everybody feels important. We've been doing very well, been playing very well, and I hope we continue that.
