Spurs vs. Pistons Preview

By Jeff | January 10, 2008 | Print Print

In what could be viewed as a 2008 NBA Finals preview, the old-ass Spurs (23-10) will face the Pistons (26-9) tonight in San Antonio, in what begins a 4 home game stand for the Spurs.

For the Spurs, they come into this game playing mediocre ball of late. They’ve been losing on the road, have pathetic offensive woes, and their defense hasn’t been championship-caliber defense from years past — see the OT period against the Warriors. Given that, the Spurs do have the best home record (17-2) in the league and sport the third best defense, behind the Pistons and the Celts, allowing 92.5 points per game.

Spurs fans have been seeing “so-so” play from this team. They beat the hell out of the Bulls, lose at home to the Raptors, let the Knicks give them a scare and forget to play defense and execute against the Warriors….WHAT? Is this the same Spurs team?

Tonight they must bring it against Detroit. Now these two teams play “D” so don’t expect some offensive showcase tonight. Duncan has dominated the Pistons in San Antonio. He’s recorded double-doubles in all 10 regular-season games, averaging 20.3 points and 13.2 rebounds while Parker is averaging 15.1 points in 12 career games against the Pistons.

For the Pistons, they are coming off an 11 game win streak before losing to the Dallas “Chokers” and the Boston “We Haven’t Been Tested” Celtics. In the loss to Dallas, the Pistons allowed 100 points from an opposing team for the second time this season. Expect the Pistons to take out their frustrations on the Spurs in what could be a very physical game.

In the end, the Pistons will beat the Spurs tonight in San Antonio.Key matchup: Parker vs. Billups. Expect Billips to post up Parker in the paint and expect Parker to run circles on the Pistons. Nice matchup.

Spurs Notes: Should the Spurs actually play like a championship team, play with balls, and show up, Pop will win his 600th career game. Just don’t expect Pop to make a big deal about it. And of course Chris Stromeyer is a loser who sucks at fantasy league andcame in 4th place. LOSER!