GT: Spurs vs. Lakers

[Nolan]

When: 10:30 PM ET, April 12, 2011
Where: STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, CA



VS



Starting Lineups:

Spurs:
PG - Tony Parker
SG - Manu Ginobli
SF - Richard Jefferson
PF - Tim Duncan
C - Antonio McDyess

Lakers:
PG - Derek Fisher
SG - Kobe Bryant
SF - Ron Artest
PF - Pau Gasol
C - Andrew Bynum

The Lakers are on a 5 game losing streak and struggling heading into the playoffs. The reality is this game really doesn't mean much to us and it means a lot to the Lakers. If they lose this game Dallas could take the #2 seed from them.

The key to winning this game is going to be stopping Kobe as it always is with the Lakers. We need to make him into a volume shooter. If we can do that we have a shot at winning this game.

Go Spurs!!

[inquisitive]

Spurs need to keep pushing the ball even after made baskets by the Lakers. Don't try to get in a halfcourt set. Try to get the first open shot available. You have to utilize speed to wear down the Lakers. Hopefully Parker is in full throttle mode tonight.

Anyone think the Spurs might actually kinda 'tank' this game? They might not want to face the Lakers in the 2nd round which could be a possibility if the Lakers lose tonite.

[Nolan]

^
I don't know if we're going to tank so we don't have to face the Lakers in the 2nd round. But I think we might rest our starters tonights.

[vegajf51]

^
I don't know if we're going to tank so we don't have to face the Lakers in the 2nd round. But I think we might rest our starters tonights.

I hope you guys don't, I think it would be a shame not to beat the laker's while their down, it would really test the laker's confidence going into the playoffs.

[Nolan]

^
We're a veteran team and some of our guys need some extra rest. As much as i'd like to beat the Lakers we need to be healthy and rested for the playoffs.

On another note Steve Blake will miss this game for the Lakers with the chicken pox's.

[Donald Kaufman]

What's more important to the team: sending a meaningless message or resting our guys? They need this game way more than we do.

[galena]

It sure looks like Pop is resting the starters based on the huge point spread of 11.5. Lakers coming off 5 straight losses and Spurs winners of four straight. Something smells fishy.

[Nolan]

Duncan, Paker, Manu and Dice will all sit out this game. New starting lineup is: Hill, Neal, Jefferson, Blair and Splitter.

[Nolan]

The Lakers are cold right now, we need to jump on them and try to expand this lead.

[Nolan]

Great move by Blair there to score over Gasol. He's really starting to learn how to use his wide base and strength to score over taller oponents.

[Nolan]

And we have a Chris Quinn sighting.

[co_laper]

Keep a tab on that Memphis Portland game.

If I'm correct, New Orleans have a tie breaker againts Memphis. So if Memphis lose this game, they fall down to 8th. And if New Orleans win againts the Mavs tomorrow, that means we meet Memphis in the 1st round.

Not really sure, but I think that's how it is.

[Nolan]

^
I think your right. Go Blazers!

On another note that was a great catch and finish by Blair. He needs to have a big game tonight, we need him on a hot streak heading into the playoffs.

[co_laper]

Actually, I think we need Memphis to win this game if we want to meet New Orleans in the 1st round.

[Nolan]

^
Lol my bad your right.

Bynum's gone to the locker room, not good for the Lakers.

[Nolan]

Can't believe we're still in this game, we could steal this one from the Lakers.

[co_laper]

Bynum hyperextended right knee.

[Nolan]

Tie game at the half. The Lakers are not playing well, we can win this game.

[co_laper]

I kinda hope we don't. Unless Bynum is out for the playoffs, I rather not have them fall in our bracket. But if we win with our bench group, then we win. Those guys played their hearts out and they deserve it.

[Nolan]

Well I doubt they'll fall into our bracket, But if they do I think the Nuggets will give them nothing but trouble. And if Bynum is out, the Nuggets could upset them in the first round.