No time for a letdown as the Spurs follow up Monday's win over the Thunder with their first SEGABABA in over three weeks.
San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves
Target Center, San Antonio, TX
March 12, 2013, 7:00 PM Spurs Time
TV: FSSW - RADIO: 1200 AM WOAI
The San Antonio Spurs prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves as Spurs Nation as a whole shakes its head and tries to clear out the cobwebs from a serious victory hangover after a wild night on the town that included a double-digit victory over Oklahoma City Monday night.
Those of you who frequent PtR's previews may be aware that until recently, I'd never previewed a game. Those of you who have been reading PtR for a couple of years are familiar with the concept of a "hack preview" wherein the author slaps something together at the last minute, calls it a preview, and tosses it up on the site to the bemusement of all.
Ladies and Gentlemen, £ers of all ages, this is just such a preview!
What you need to know about the Spurs
Kawhi Leonard, Tiago Splitter and Danny Green put on a show last night and even inspired racm to instant message me a "Little Three" quip. If you haven't already, you really need to see the visual evidence of Kawhi's awesome OMFB in all its GIFfy glory. Also (not yet rendered as a GIF) Tiago pulled off multiple aesthetically pleasing post moves last night to the wonderment and delight of the Wilco household. Also, Green went 4 for 4 from behind the arc. That is not a bad result.
What you need to know about the Timberwolves:
The big, bruising, behemoth of a team that used to play the role of Random Western Conference Team That The Spurs Can't Seem To Ever Put Away has taken a slide from those lofty heights of yesteryear. Now they're back to playing like the Timberpuppies we used to call them. Thing is, I love this team when they're healthy. They can bang, rebound and shoot some (not a lot, but still) when not being fed on by multiple injury bugs. But since they're hurting, and manly-man Kevin Love won't be snagging offensive rebounds like Oreos, this isn't likely to be the toughest matchup. But you never know.
For anyone who wants something substantial from their previews, let me quote here from my favorite NBA previewer, Dave of Blazer's Edge:
Minnesota's basic problem: even fully-staffed they can't shoot. Pekovic gets them paint points and Love would make a huge difference but those guards are an eyesore every time they release the ball. Opponents can pack the paint against the potent big guys without fear of reprisal. The 'Wolves shoot an abysmal 30% from the three-point arc, 43.5% from the floor in general. The first qualifies them for worst in the league, the second earns them a spot in the bottom five. Their saving graces: offensive rebounding and a propensity for drawing free throws. But that offense requires way more salvation than those two categories can provide. They need Jesus and got a Dr. Phil book and an aspirin instead.
On the other end of the floor the Timberwolves are fairly poor in transition, bad at guarding the three, and allow a good percentage from the field overall. When they can get their players set they play credible defense. Otherwise it's a scramble and an easy shot for the opponent. They're good defensive rebounders, at least when healthy.
Minnesota forces turnovers but they also commit them...a wash.
There, happy now? If you're not, then this is the point where you realize the point of the hack preview. My apologies to any and all.
T-wolves perspective can be found at the fantabulous Canus Hoopus. Be sure to check out the awesome preview that Cynical Jackson wrote based on his day job. Just go check it out. It's that good.
Game Prediction: I don't do predictions. Deal with it.
As always Tony must dominate Fisher, and NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area. Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate.
Get your San Antonio Spurs tickets here!