5 things to watch for in tonight's Spurs vs. Jazz matchup
The San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz will square off tonight in Salt Lake City as San Antonio's Rodeo Road Trip continues.
The Spurs are coming off a hard-fought overtime win over the Clippers on Saturday that was costly. San Antonio saw two of their key players succumb to injuries. Tiago Splitter suffered a sprained right calf in the first quarter, and Manu Ginobili, later in the game, with a strained left oblique muscle.
The last time these two teams met was this past December where San Antonio won 104-89 in San Antonio.
So as the Spurs put their 10-game winning streak on the line tonight against the Jazz, here are five things to watch for in tonight's contest.
- History is on the Spurs' side. Utah has not taken the season series from San Antonio since 1997-1998.
- Keep an eye on Raja Bell. Bell has hit at least one three point shot in 18 games straight.
- Paul Milsap can hold his own versus the best forwards in the West. Milsap, against LaMarcus Aldridge, Blake Griffin, Kevin Love and Dirk Nowitzki has averaged 19.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 50.1% shooting.
- If Milsap is blocking, the Jazz are winning. The Jazz are 7-0 when Milsap blocks two or more shots.
- Hot shooting for Utah usually means a win. Utah is 7-0 when the team shooting 50% or more.
Key matchup: Tim Duncan vs. Paul Milsap. Here is how the two played against each other (via nba.com) earlier this season.
Hey Jeff. Good article, but just one point. The Jazz swept us in the 2009-2010 regular season.
The spurs will feel the absence of Splitter. Blair has to hold his won against the jazz and the role players has to contribute if they want to win. Here is a chance for Andersn to play. Let's hope the coaching staff will give him the chance.
