Game Day Preview: Spurs vs. Magic

By
Michael De Leon
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0
SAN ANTONIO SPURS (11-1) vs. ORLANDO MAGIC (9-3)
TEAM LEADERS

Points Rebounds Assists
SPURS Manu Ginobili 20.0 Tim Duncan 9.6 Tony Parker 7.7
MAGIC Dwight Howard 21.4 Dwight Howard 11.1 Jameer Nelson 6.6
The San Antonio Spurs will look to match their longest winning streak in three years when they take on the surging Orlando Magic tonight at the AT&T Center. 

The Spurs (11-1) beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-92 last Saturday as Tiago Splitter scored 18 points and grabbed five boards in his most productive game as a Spur.

The Orlando Magic (9-3) are coming off a 90-86 win on the road against the Indiana Pacers for their fourth consecutive victory.

This could be a battle between offense and defense. The Spurs are currently 2nd in scoring in the NBA with 107.8 points per game, while the Magic are ranked 1st in points allowed with 90.3 points per game.

KEYS TO THE GAME

SPURS:

Offense — The Spurs’ offense have been great so far. Parker, Ginobili, Jefferson and Duncan continues to carry the offensive load. However, their bench which includes George Hill, Matt Bonner, Splitter and Neal have provided enough fire power.

Defense — It will be key for the Spurs to limit Dwight Howard’s touches in the paint and also respect the Magic’s outside shooters. The Spurs will have to adjust on how to guard Howard on inside, they could give more minutes to Tiago Splitter to help out on protecting the paint.

MAGIC:

Offense — Howard sets their offense on the inside and will a have huge advantage when guarded by a much shorter DeJuan Blair. Plus, he will have plenty of help on offense with Nelson and Carter on the backcourt.

Defense — It will be key for the Magic to limit the Spurs’ dribble penetrations and guard their drive-and- kicks, Bonner, Neal, Jefferson and Ginobili have been hitting their outside shots.

INJURIES

Spurs — James Anderson – stress fracture (out)

Magic — J.J. Redick – back (day-to-day)

PREDICTION: Both teams are playing well right now. The Magic are a pretty good road team and are on a four game winning streak. They could present some matchup problems for the Spurs.
However, the Spurs have coach Gregg Popovich on the sidelines and his in-game adjustments will be key. I might be pushing my luck too much, but I have a feeling the Spurs will win this one and extend their winning streak to 11 games. 

Follow Robby Lim on Twitter @RobbyLim21

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