OGT: San Antonio Spurs (36-13) @ Brooklyn Nets (21-25), 8PM ET on TNT

[Uncle Drew]

Already missing Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard, the San Antonio Spurs will be without yet another key player when they attempt to extend their winning streak on their longest road trip of the season.

Though injuries have plagued the Brooklyn Nets, they could be getting a lot healthier as they try to pick up a rare victory in this series.

Without the injured Tony Parker, the short-handed and possibly fatigued Spurs go for their fourth straight win overall and 22nd in 23 meetings with the Nets on Thursday night.

Parker was unable to return Wednesday after leaving at halftime with tightness in his lower back, but San Antonio (36-13) rallied from a 17-point deficit for a 125-118 double-overtime victory at Washington.

Tim Duncan led the way with 31 points, 11 rebounds and five assists before fouling out in the second overtime, while Danny Green added 22 points, seven boards and five 3-pointers.

Parker ended up with four points after scoring 32 in a 102-95 win in New Orleans on Monday to open a nine-game swing that continues after the All-Star break. Coach Gregg Popovich said the point guard won't play against the Nets (21-25).

"For these guys, I couldn't be prouder of what they did," said Popovich, whose club won for an NBA-high 16th straight time over the Wizards. "With Kawhi and Manu and Tony not out there, I thought the bench guys really stepped up."

Patty Mills had 11 of his season-high 23 points in the two overtimes. He also helped pick up the slack with 20 points in a 110-82 over Milwaukee with Parker out due to a right shin contusion Jan. 19.

The Southwest Division leaders haven't had much trouble without the six-time All-Star, winning all four games that he's missed this season.

The Spurs, however, also are missing Ginobili (tight left hamstring) and Leonard (broken left hand) as they try to resume their dominance over the Nets. San Antonio has won 21 of the last 22 in this series dating to Game 5 of the 2003 finals.

Despite missing All-Star Joe Johnson (knee tendinitis), Andrei Kirilenko (sore right calf), Brook Lopez (broken foot) and Andray Blatche (hip), the Nets snapped a three-game losing streak with a 108-102 home win over Philadelphia on Monday.

Paul Pierce finished with 25 points, Deron Williams added 21 and Mirza Teletovic had 20 with five 3-pointers. Shaun Livingston stepped up with 13 points, eight assists, six rebounds and seven of Brooklyn's season-high 15 steals.

"I've been on the wings obviously guarding some of the better scorers, but just trying to be active, be disruptive and help my teammates," said Livingston, who has averaged 17.7 points on 57.1 percent shooting in his last three games.

The Nets, who had won 10 of 11 before their skid, will try to build on the victory with Johnson, Kirilenko and Blatche expected to return for this matchup.

Johnson, averaging 15.6 points, scored a team-high 19 in a 111-86 loss in the most recent meeting in Brooklyn on Feb. 10, 2013.

Duncan is expected to play at Barclays Center for the first time after missing that contest due to injury. He had 15 points as the Spurs shot 51.3 percent in a 113-92 home win over the Nets on Dec. 31.

After holding a 47-34 edge on the boards in that first matchup, San Antonio may be able to again take advantage of a Brooklyn team that ranks near the bottom of the league with a minus-3.5 rebounding margin.

tl;dr
No Duncan, no Parker, no Manu, no Leonard

[TheReal Kendall]

Nets for the win

[It's A VC3!!!]

If the Nets lose this game I will find a new team to root for. I wouldn't be surprised if they lost though.

[BasedTom]

If the Nets lose this game I will find a new team to root for. I wouldn't be surprised if they lost though.
:facepalm :lol

c'mon dude

[SpecialQue]

If the Nets lose this game I will find a new team to root for. I wouldn't be surprised if they lost though.

How about instead of finding a new team to root for, you find a new forum to post on?

[Legends66NBA7]

No Duncan/Garnett matchup, oh well.

Spurs win here would be huge.

[Olacinco]

Well can't say it gunna be an easy win but I'm pretty confident we be up 25 at the half..

We got some ground to make up for...

[Higher Meaning]

If the Nets lose this game I will find a new team to root for. I wouldn't be surprised if they lost though.
I'll remember this

[Uncle Drew]

Boris Diaw also out tonight.

[It's A VC3!!!]

How about instead of finding a new team to root for, you find a new forum to post on?
If you find me that appalling, for whatever reason, put me on an ignore list. How complicated is that? I'm sure there is such a feature on this board. There you go. Problem solved.

[smoovegittar]

How about instead of finding a new team to root for, you find a new forum to post on?

:cheers:

[russwest0]

If you find me that appalling, for whatever reason, put me on an ignore list. How complicated is that? I'm sure there is such a feature on this board. There you go. Problem solved.

Dat Ether :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[JimmyMcAdocious]

lol. Spurs running with 4 guards and Splitter as their starting lineup.

[Uncle Drew]

http://puu.sh/6MEfQ.jpg

Pop's GOAT system will win this game.

[SpecialQue]

http://puu.sh/6MEfQ.jpg

Pop's GOAT system will win this game.

The Spurs always bring out their best players when it's a nationally televised game. :lol

[russwest0]

Wait WTF, I thought Deron was coming off the bench?

[russwest0]

lol. Spurs running with 4 guards and Splitter as their starting lineup.

And Nets running with 2 PG's, a SG at the 3, and a SF at the 4.

Such a weird game

[Uncle Drew]

http://puu.sh/6MEBW.jpg

More swag; Timmy or Swagbrook?

[aj1987]

Lol! The Nets getting owned by scrubs!

[JimmyMcAdocious]

Duncan buys his clothes at the same place MJ does.

HOF only store?

[buddha]

Danny Green dominating.

How come Patty Mills doesn't start over scrubs like De Cola and Joseph?

[Clutch]

Spurs are amazing. No matter who they send to the floor they are still able to compete.

Pop :bowdown:

[It's A VC3!!!]

Yeah, Nets are trash. Didn't need this game to let me know that.

[Uncle Drew]

Pop :oldlol:

[aj1987]

:roll: Pop!

[Johnny Jones]

Deron injured again :facepalm

[Legends66NBA7]

Deron Williams hurt again ?

[Clutch]

D-Will in pain,Pierce looking like he doesn't care at all :roll: :roll: :roll:

[russwest0]

God damn Deron.

Dude went from great PG to garbage so fast. Shaun Alexander of the NBA

[smoovegittar]

D-Will in pain,Pierce looking like he doesn't care at all :roll: :roll: :roll:

It's too easy to dislike Williams.

[niko]

I can't get on Deron, they shot him up to cover for pain from something wrong they won't diagnose or fix. The logical outcome is something snapping and him being out.

[BlackVVaves]

The Nets acquired the worst contract in the NBA, only to sign Deron Williams to a max contract which, because of his severe injury proneness, has now become an even worst contract than that contract.

Did I mention they traded the #6 pick for Gerald Wallace?

[It's A VC3!!!]

Why don't the nets try passing instead of just scoring on their own. Horrific offense.

[aj1987]

LOL! Did anyone see that picture of Pop from 54 years ago??

[Uncle Drew]

LOL! Did anyone see that picture of Pop from 54 years ago??
http://puu.sh/6MGwM.jpg

[It's A VC3!!!]

I remember Pierce and KG saying that they wanted Deron to be an MVP candidate. :lol

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

Why is Duncants ***** ass not playing:roll: :roll:

[Legends66NBA7]

Del Colo got it bad.


Why is Duncants ***** ass not playing:roll: :roll:

Rest.

[It's A VC3!!!]

TNT halftime shows have been crap. They don't even talk about the actual game. Instead, everything else...

[JimmyMcAdocious]

TNT halftime shows have been crap. They don't even talk about the actual game. Instead, everything else...

Who the **** wants to listen about that first half other than Nets and Spurs fans?

[Hoofa22]

Why isn't Belinelli taking shots?? :confusedshrug:

2/2 in the Half, should be taking a lot more

[It's A VC3!!!]

Who the **** wants to listen about that first half other than Nets and Spurs fans?
Why would you be watching the game if you are not a Spurs or Nets fan? Obviously the majority of the viewers are Nets and Spurs fans. Hence why they should discuss Nets and Spurs at the half.

[Higher Meaning]

Ay Bynum should take bowling lessons from Faried

[Legends66NBA7]

Why would you be watching the game if you are not a Spurs or Nets fan? Obviously the majority of the viewers are Nets and Spurs fans. Hence why they should discuss Nets and Spurs at the half.

To be honest, they do this pretty much every show.

And personally hearing their opinion on the Raptors, it's clear to me they really don't watch many games unless it's live. I would rather just switch the channel when they talk.

[JimmyMcAdocious]

Why would you be watching the game if you are not a Spurs or Nets fan? Obviously the majority of the viewers are Nets and Spurs fans. Hence why they should discuss Nets and Spurs at the half.

Because it's basketball. It's either this or college hoops right now on the West Coast. "New" tv doesn't start til 8, so we're stuck in that news or sitcom rerun zone if you are watching tv.

I would guess the majority of viewers aren't Nets and Spurs fans. Unless there's a preposterously low amount of viewers right now for a TNT game. I suppose that's possible and I don't have proof either way. All I know is that I would rather listen about the allstar break then recap that first half.

[Uncle Drew]

De Colo broken nose.

[brooklynsfinest]

Spurs are a garbage franchise that should have stayed home and forfeited rather than bring weak shit like tonight. Nets will win this game by 25, and that's with Deron gutting it out on one leg like the hero he is.

[brooklynsfinest]

Nets balling of the SA pieces of crap...

[russwest0]

Danny Green is such a horrible finisher

[brooklynsfinest]

10,20,30 and the Spurs fans cry...

[TMT]

Danny Green is such a horrible finisher

He's basically below average at everything besides hitting threes.

[It's A VC3!!!]

Nets defense so damn putrid. Just getting any look they want.

[TMT]

Kirilenko wanted to give us another shot there at the end I guess. :oldlol:

Spurs 2nd and 3rd unit within 7 going into the fourth. Not bad.

[niko]

Kirilenko wanted to give us another shot there at the end I guess. :oldlol:

Spurs 2nd and 3rd unit within 7 going into the fourth. Not bad.
Did you hear that because this is a national game vs. the Nets, Pop was planning on resting big anyway because he doesn't like the Nets cause they fired PJ. Basically it's "have your tv moment without us" or better yet, maybe we beat you with backups.

[It's A VC3!!!]

These ****ing refs are shit.

[KG215]

Spurs are a garbage franchise that should have stayed home and forfeited rather than bring weak shit like tonight. Nets will win this game by 25, and that's with Deron gutting it out on one leg like the hero he is.
I find it interesting you made this post when it was already in the second half and a fairly close game. Or was this when it was halftime and the Nets had a whopping one point lead?

[Legends66NBA7]

I find it interesting you made this post when it was already in the second half and a fairly close game. Or was this when it was halftime and the Nets had a whopping one point lead?

It's an alt account.

[JohnFreeman]

These ****ing Nets are shit.
fixed

[LONGTIME]

Short handed or not, the Spurs should be ashamed of themselves if they lose to the Nets.

[TMT]

Did you hear that because this is a national game vs. the Nets, Pop was planning on resting big anyway because he doesn't like the Nets cause they fired PJ. Basically it's "have your tv moment without us" or better yet, maybe we beat you with backups.

No, I didn't hear that. But everyone who's sitting is actually injured besides Duncan and he played 40 minutes in a 2OT game last night, so I'd say it's justifiable. The backups have kept it considerably close too considering all the mistakes going on.

Is there an article on this or something?

[Boarder Patrol]

Only down 9 missing their best player.

And 2nd best player.

And 3rd best player.

And 4th best player.

[russwest0]

Only down 9 missing their best player.

And 2nd best player.

And 3rd best player.

And 4th best player.

Being down 9 is never something to brag about, regardless of circumstance.

[niko]

No, I didn't hear that. But everyone who's sitting is actually injured besides Duncan and he played 40 minutes in a 2OT game last night, so I'd say it's justifiable. The backups have kept it considerably close too considering all the mistakes going on.

Is there an article on this or something?
No, they were discussing in on the radio in passing. The Nets aren't exactly a topic that gets more than 2 minutes in passing.

[TMT]

Being down 9 is never something to brag about, regardless of circumstance.

Wouldn't call it bragging, but as a Spurs fan I'm pretty satisfied this game is still competitive.

[JohnFreeman]

Is Duncan hurt or sitting out the back to back?

[Legends66NBA7]

Garnett has missed 4-5 in a row. Swing the ball more.

[TMT]

No, they were discussing in on the radio in passing. The Nets aren't exactly a topic that gets more than 2 minutes in passing.

It's a good theory for an NBA gossip column, but I'm sure Pop has more on his mind than avenging an old coaching buddy. Spurs are on their annual rodeo road trip and a back-to-back like this is a great chance to get Timmy rest, and let the rest of the roster get some burn.

[TMT]

Is Duncan hurt or sitting out the back to back?

"lower back pain" or something like that was the excuse tonight. But Pop is clearly just sitting him. Played 40 minutes last night. Must be years since he played that many minutes in a regular season game.

[KG215]

It's an alt account.
I figured, just thought making that post was interesting. I mean that's not even subtle or creative trolling.

[JohnFreeman]

"lower back pain" or something like that was the excuse tonight. But Pop is clearly just sitting him. Played 40 minutes last night. Must be years since he played that many minutes in a regular season game.
Ok good. I don't want to hear Duncan is hurt

[It's A VC3!!!]

Good fight Spurs. I know this would've been a different game had Spurs had at least one or two more stars but hey, you guys are fine and we badly need the win. Alan won us the game.

[Artillery]

Did you hear that because this is a national game vs. the Nets, Pop was planning on resting big anyway because he doesn't like the Nets cause they fired PJ. Basically it's "have your tv moment without us" or better yet, maybe we beat you with backups.

Kind of a dumb theory seeing as Pop probably contributed in PJ's firing when the Spurs blew out the Nets in an embarrassing fashion when PJ was still coaching 'em.

[JohnFreeman]

Any chance of Patty being in 6th man of the year conversation?

[TMT]

Any chance of Patty being in 6th man of the year conversation?

Manu and Marco would both be way ahead of him. He's a boss though. Part of me actually wants to see a roster in a few years featuring him as the starting PG... Don't tell Tony.

[TMT]

Good fight Spurs. I know this would've been a different game had Spurs had at least one or two more stars but hey, you guys are fine and we badly need the win. Alan won us the game.

That Anderson guy is pretty good. Reminds me of a bigger Gary Neal.

[Legends66NBA7]

Wish Spurs won. Their second and third units gave a good fight for the most part.

[bdreason]

Tuned in late and was shocked by the score... then I realized Parker and Duncan weren't playing.

[Legends66NBA7]

That Anderson guy is pretty good. Reminds me of a bigger Gary Neal.

He doesn't pass much if it all. But he can be a good defender and scorer when his jumper is going. His jab step is filthy stuff.

[The JKidd Kid]

He doesn't pass much if it all. But he can be a good defender and scorer when his jumper is going. His jab step is filthy stuff.

He plays well in the Nets offense and knows his role. Idk where he gets the reputation for being a black hole from.

[TMT]

Wish Spurs won. Their second and third units gave a good fight for the most part.

They started out hot from outside in the first half, but with the lack of playmaking on the floor I think everyone saw this coming a mile away. Great fight though.

[Legends66NBA7]

He plays well in the Nets offense and knows his role. Idk where he gets the reputation for being a black hole from.

Euroleague days and his last 2 seasons in Toronto.

Saw him play enough last year that he took too many shots when his jumper wasn't going. Didn't even look to pass much.

[TMT]

He doesn't pass much if it all. But he can be a good defender and scorer when his jumper is going. His jab step is filthy stuff.

That's Gary Neal for ya. :lol
Definitely a good asset. Don't know much about him at all. Where'd this guy come from?

[It's A VC3!!!]

Been very upset with the weak Brooklyn crowd this season. I know it's been brutally cold the last couple of months. Fans have showed up but have not cheered at all.

[Legends66NBA7]

That's Gary Neal for ya. :lol
Definitely a good asset. Don't know much about him at all. Where'd this guy come from?

Signed as a free agent in Charlotte back in 05-06 and stayed there for 2 years. He was in Europe the last 4 years. He signed 2 10-day contracts with Toronto in the lockout year in 2012 and his defense and 3 point shooting kept him on the team for the rest of the year and the following season was his best as a pro.

Brooklyn thought he would be a nice veteran minimum for their team and it's worked well for them.

[It's A VC3!!!]

He plays well in the Nets offense and knows his role. Idk where he gets the reputation for being a black hole from.

I don't think he has the black hole reputation but some do think he is a chucker. He even said it in his post-game interview tonight. "I have been settling and shooting too many threes". That's kind of his bad habit. He will have the ball in his hands and you think a play is being ran and the next millisecond he hoisted up a three out of nowhere. However, he's been very solid the entire season and Joe Johnson is the guy that I am more concerned with. He's been utter trash in the last 10 games or so.

[niko]

Been very upset with the weak Brooklyn crowd this season. I know it's been brutally cold the last couple of months. Fans have showed up but have not cheered at all.
People thought they were going to win a title and instead you are a few games under 500. Add that to the fact it's a relatively new fanbase and a lot of shared corporate seats and it's hard to be this dynamic crowd.

[niko]

He plays well in the Nets offense and knows his role. Idk where he gets the reputation for being a black hole from.
From last year where he was a black hole. Looks nothing like this year. Even the few times this year maybe he shot too much looked nothng like last year shot too much,

[JohnFreeman]

Been very upset with the weak Brooklyn crowd this season. I know it's been brutally cold the last couple of months. Fans have showed up but have not cheered at all.
With their awful "broooooooklynnnnnnnnn" chant

[All Net]

after going to double OT against the Wizards this was expected.