Game Day Preview: Spurs vs. 76ers

By
Michael De Leon
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0
SAN ANTONIO SPURS (6-1) vs. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (2-7)
TEAM LEADERS

Points Rebounds Assists
SPURS Manu Ginobili 21.9 Tim Duncan 10.0 Tony Parker 8.4
76ers Elton Brand 17.2 Elton Brand 8.3 Jrue Holiday 7.4
The San Antonio Spurs will look to extend their winning streak to six games when they host the Philadelphia 76ers at the AT&T Center in San Antonio.

The Sixers (2-7) are coming off a 99-90 loss against the Dallas Mavericks while the Spurs (6-1) are on a five game winning streak and defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 107-95 on their last outing.

The Spurs should have the advantage over the Sixers who will play their second night of a back-to-back in San Antonio.

Andre Iguodala was back in the starting lineup against the Mavericks after missing two games and scored 13 points. He will join Elton Brand and Jrue Holiday to lead the 76ers’ offensive attack. Spurs’ rookie James Anderson is expected to be out for two months because of a·stress fracture in his right fifth metatarsal.

KEYS TO THE GAME

SPURS:

Offense — The Spurs offense starts with the “Big Three” but they are getting more help. Richard Jefferson continues to play pretty well, rookie Gary Neal is providing some offensive spark off the bench and DeJuan Blair appears to be coming out of his shooting funk. However, their depth at the small forward position will be tested with Anderson out.
Defense — The Spurs are playing better ‘D’ but with Elton Brand in the middle, they can’t allow the Sixers to shoot 70% from behind the arc. Something that the Clippers did to them in their last outing.
76ERS:

Offense — The Sixers are definitely not short on fire power, entering this game, seven players are averaging in double figures for Philadelphia.

Defense — It will be key for them to limit Duncan on the inside but they also have to be wary of the Spurs outside shots. The Spurs are currently shooting 42.5% from beyond the arc — best in the league.

INJURIES

Spurs — George Hill – trapezius muscle (day-to-day), Matt Bonner – sprained right ankle (out), James Anderson – stress fracture (out).

76ers — Andre Iguodala – achilles (day-to-day), Lou Williams – shoulder (day-to-day).

PREDICTION: The Spurs should try to jump on the Sixers and build an early lead. The Sixers will try to their best to get back to the win column with balanced attack on offense.
However, with more rest, the Spurs should win this one and extend their winning streak to six games.

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