| TEAM LEADERS | |||
| Points | Rebounds | Assists | |
| SPURS | Manu Ginobili 22.5 | Tim Duncan 9.5 | Tony Parker 6.5 |
| CLIPPERS | Eric Gordon 16.7 | Blake Griffin 11.0 | Baron Davis 5.7 |
season game on the road. Both teams are coming off losses.The Clippers (0-3) were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks 99-83 while the Spurs (1-1) lost against the New Orleans Hornets 99-90 last Saturday. Their first loss of the new season.
The Spurs will try to bounce back against a young Clippers team who are still win-less after three games. However, the Clippers remains a dangerous team. The trio of Griffin, Chris Kaman and Eric Gordon has shown improvement and has anchored the teams’ potent offensive attack.
This could also be the NBA debut for Brazilian big man Tiago Splitter. If Tiago plays, the Spurs will get ample help upfront, especially on the defensive side of the floor.
KEYS TO THE GAME
SPURS:
Offense — The Spurs’ offense starts with the ‘Big Three’, but Richard Jefferson is the teams’ second leading scorer after two games, plus George Hill, DeJuan Blair and James Anderson can provide some offense. Also, expect a better game from Duncan on the offensive end after scoring just seven points in their loss against the Hornets.
Offense — Griffin, Gordon and Kaman are the center of their offense. But the Clippers have to shoot better from the field and from behind the three-point line to have a chance at beating the Spurs.
Defense — The Clippers have enough big bodies to crowd Duncan and Blair inside the paint, it will be key for them to limit Tony Parker, Jefferson and Manu Ginobili’s dribble penetrations .
INJURIES
Spurs — Tiago Splitter – strained right plantaris muscle (probable), Matt Bonner – sprained right ankle (out).
Clippers — Randy Foye – hamstring (day-to-day), Craig Smith – back (day-to-day)
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