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I really want to see a game at...
The Great Playoff Race-Past and Present
Starting Lineups
Point Guard
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After a long rest after playing 44 minutes against the Bulls, Jarrett Jack gets another dangerous young point guard to contend with in Tony Parker. The speed Tony Parker possesses in combination with his teardrop and developing jump shot is a huge problem for every defense. Jack needs to avoid getting pickpocketed, and take care of the ball, because Tony Parker is a one-man fastbreak. Jarrett Jack has a slight size advantage, and should look to disrupt Parker's rhythm.
Shooting Guard
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Manu Ginobili is the most productive guard in the Western Conference next to Kobe Bryant. The way he attacks the basket and gets away with flopping are testaments to both his sheer will and the ineffectiveness of the league's flopping-fine policy. Brandon Rush should continue to hold his ground against opposing guards, and he has done a good job of clamping down on the opponent's starting shooting guard. His offense is not half as important as his defense in this game, and he will be tested between Manu Ginobili and Michael Finley.
Small Forward
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As well as he has done this season, Granger will have to summon everything he has to succeed against the Spur's defense. Michael Finley and Bruce Bowen are both veteran defensive specialists that can shoot threes, and that will challenge Granger's ability to penetrate. Michael Finley is a shooter who, despite his age, can still find ways to collect points. The matchup between youth and experience could be the deciding factor.
Power Forward
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Troy Murphy came back against the Bulls and picked up where he left off, netting another double-double (44ths of the season). Tim Duncan has the same number of double-doubles, and is one of the most dangerous post players ever. Between his rock-steady fundamentals and his future hall-of-fame spot, Tim Duncan is a force to be reckoned with. Troy can hope to clear out the post by forcing Duncan to guard him outside. Chances are, however, that Murphy may find himself matched up against Bonner for most of the game.
Center
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The fouls keep on happening, and Hibbert keeps finding himself relegated to the end of the bench. He may break records with his fouling, but while he is on the floor, he is a decently productive center. Tim Duncan and Matt Bonner could very well end Hibbert's night early. Defending either player would be difficult, as Tim Duncan has a plethora of wily post moves, and Matt Bonner has a dangerous outside shot. Hibbert should be looking to post Bonner up, but if Duncan comes to help, it may be time to find and pass to Troy Murphy.
The Key Reserves
The Bench
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T.J. Ford proved his worth with an awesome shot to lift the Pacers over the Bulls and closer to the last playoff spot. However, the speed advantage he usually has is negated with Tony Parker's presence. The Spurs have a bench that plays like its starters: offensive capability coupled with defensive tenacity. The Spurs are just as dangerous as the Pacers from outside the arc. Former Spur Rasho Nesterovic may have a productive game, as he has some motivation in the form of beating Tim Duncan.
The Coaches
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Greg Popovich has had one of the longest tenure as a head coach, and for good reason. He has been with the Spurs through their dynasty in the early part of the millenium, but injuries have plagued the team in '08-'09. Jim O'Brien does not appear to be on the tank train, and will do whatever he can to get the Pacers back into the playoffs, however unlikely those odds.
Injury Report
Pacers
Mike Dunleavy-Out(Knee)
Marquis Daniels-Out(Wrist)
Spurs
Fabricio Oberto-Day-to-Day(Heart)
Final Points
-Contain the guards. We've been torched too many times. Disrupt their rhythm and play them smart.
-Boards are going to matter a lot against a post-oriented team like the Spurs
-We want to make the playoffs, or fail trying.
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Tradition
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Cone Bone
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I don't care, she's beautiful to me...
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There is no "tank" button on this ship.
