How do we deal with Tony Parker? I expect to see lots of Batum on Tony. His length could pose problems. I would also like to see Wes guard Ginoboli quite often. Wes had the perfect warm up against Harden. Harden and Ginoboli are very similar players. Aldridge vs Duncan could be a wash. Lamarcus should put up the better stats, but Timmy will still make an impact elsewhere. The center position could be in our favor. Thank god San Antonio has no one near Dwight Howard. We match up so well with the Spurs. This series is winnable. That said, home court will be the difference in the series I think. I see the Spurs winning in seven. But if anyone can derail the Spurs it will be us. Go Blazers!!
How many times do Batum and Parker go out to dinner together during this series? Over under is set at 3, taking all bets!
Batum on Parker means Lillard on Danny Green, with Matthews on Kawhi? Hmm... I think at least for game 1 we'll see how straight up matchups work out.
Can't wait to watch Rolo/LA guard Duncan! I think we have the tools to make him a non factor. IMO spurs have to win this series with their role players, which is highly possible.
Splitter > Lopez for whoever said the C matchup will be to their favor; Spurs get swept by Dallas without his D on Dirk, and I think he'll give Aldridge fits as well. Although he's listed as our starting C, Splitter plays PF on D. However, LA will annihilate whatever Duncan/Splitter combined provide on offense anyway.
Yes I want Batum on Parker and Wes on Leonard/Ginobli. I would like to stick Lillard on Green that way he shouldnt have to expand to much energy on someone who is mainly just a 3 point threat. I think we did well on Howard and didnt double him too much which means we stayed with the 3 point shooters. No one on the Spurs front court really commands a double so we just need to watch out for Parker and Ginobli penetration and make sure we get back on any shooters out there when they kick it out.
We'll have to disagree on Splitter > Lopez Lopez held his own going against the twin towers in Howard and Asik. He's been big all year and quite frankly is underrated by other teams He has the size advantage in this series and won't be battling Dwight Howard anymore. He has a chance to have a big series imo. That's assuming the Blazers aren't forced to play small ball.
Aight, we'll agree to disagree. As I said, Lopez will be guarded by Duncan most of this series, and one-on-one in the post Duncan is a far better defender than Howard (lengthier too). Howard is such a defensive presence due to his athleticism and mobility, but as a rim defender he's above average at best. Asik is a closer comparison to Duncan on D, while Howard is more like Splitter (only Splitter is taller and lengthier as well). Anywho, final prediction is Spurs in 6. The first two games will be very telling; Blazers take Game 1 and they become favorites.
It's odd to talk about a guy who was inactive the series before but Claver is exactly the type of player who could make a difference against the Spurs. San Antonio goes small a lot and you have to have players who are mobile, can defend, rebound and handle the ball a bit to match up against them. Claver is perfect for that....although he hasn't played in a long time and would be very rusty.
This is going to be an amazing series, and I expect a much more respectful rivalry with the Spurs fans.
