A look ahead at the Spurs games for the week.
Date: Monday, March 16 (7:00)
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder (A)
TV: NBATV
Why you should care: The Thunder started March 4-1 but have lost its last two in blowouts to Denver and Phoenix. You’ve hopefully heard by now that the Thunder have one of the most exciting young teams out there. Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook form a young nucleus that is improving rapidly and will be scary good a few years from now. If the Spurs are a legit Championship contender, they will handle the Thunder easily. They may be an exciting team to watch but they also turn the ball over nearly three more times than their opponent. The Spurs should take advantage of this youth and inexperience.
Date: Tuesday, March 17 (7:30)
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves (H)
TV: FOXSW
Why you should care: What happens when a team loses its only potential All-Star and go to scorer? It goes 3-12 and the leading scorers have names like Randy Foye, Ryan Gomes and Sebastian Telfair. I think that last name tells you all that you need to know. The Wolves have some decent role players but that’s it. The Spurs better win this game because there really is no excuse. We are at the point in the season when all
games matter regardless of what Pop says.
games matter regardless of what Pop says.
Date:Friday, March 20 (7:30)
Team: Boston Celtics (H)
TV: NBATV, FOXSW
Why you should care: Boston is only the defending champs. Ya, I think this game is important. Also, Boston is one of the least likable teams in the NBA. First, I think most people are little bitter about how they acquired Kevin Garnett with McHale doing his former team a huge favor. Second, the Celtics and their fans are just cocky. I would really like a win in this game, I just hope Pop and the Spurs treat it like the must-win game I think it is.
Date: Sunday, March 22 (2:30)
Team: Houston Rockets (H)
TV: KRRT35
Why you should care: These two met just last week, with the Spurs winning 88-85. Tony Parker continued his hot streak with 28 points and 8 assists. I correctly said last week that the Rockets wouldn’t have an answer for Parker, who is averaging 25.1 points and 7.3 assists in March. I expect another low scoring, playoff environment game, which I think favors the Spurs. They finished last game better than the Rockets because Tim Duncan and Parker are more sure than Yao and Ron Artest.
