Previewing Tonights Spurs/Cavs Prime Time Matchup
Tonight on ABC, the San Antonio Spurs visit the Cleveland Cavaliers. It's no secret that the Spurs have brought some grief to LeBron James over the last decade of his career, sweeping him and his Cavs squad in 2007 and defeating the Big 3 of Miami in 2014. But now, something is missing, or rather someone. That missing link is Tim Duncan, who retired this summer. The Big Fundamental will definitely be missed in tonight's matchup, but there are still plenty of reasons to get excited!
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Tony Parker/Pattie Mills vs. Kyrie Irving: Tony Parker may not be the same player he was a decade ago, but he is still a great point guard. But even when he isn't looking like himself, there is another great PG on the roster in Pattie Mills. Mills could likely start if he were to leave the Spurs, but his patience has paid off, and soon he will take over for Parker. But tonight, they will both need to be on their A-game as they take on Kyrie Irving, who was named as a starter for the East in the upcoming All-Star game. Irving had a great 2016, dating back to the NBA Finals, and has lead the Cavs to a lot of big wins already this season. This matchup will be crucial to success for either team.
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LaMarcus Aldridge vs. Kevin Love: The power forward position is highly important for both of these teams. Aldridge, now playing the Tim Duncan role, has to be able to defend Love on the perimeter, and still get work done inside, and on the boards. Love, who missed the Cavs' last game due to a sore back is good to go for tonight, according to Head Coach Tye Lue.
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Kawhi Leonard vs. LeBron James: Two of the best small forwards in the league going at it. During the 2014 NBA Finals, Leonard played tremendously guarding James and was even named Finals MVP. But those things don't make his job any easier; James is still the best player in the world and any time you have to guard him, you have to bring your A-game. James can get it done with his scoring, passing and even with his defense. This will no doubt be the biggest matchup of the night.
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Notable Injury: Pau Gasol is out for an undetermined amount of time after having surgery on his finger on Friday. His rebounding and playmaking will be greatly missed tonight.
Prediction: I think that the absence of Gasol will be enough to give the Cavs an edge. This game will be won on the boards and second chance points. Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love are going to dominate in the paint and lead the Cavs to victory. Also, go ahead and assume that LeBron gets close to a triple double.
