SOLVING problems isn’t what the San Antonio Spurs are known for.
That’s because the NBA’s model franchise are good, really good, at snuffing any issues out before they even reach the status of mild concern.
So by their standards, the Spurs are in crisis mode with the injury instability of Kawhi Leonard and the decision to take Tony Parker out of their starting line-up, right?
One team’s upheaval is another’s shoulder shrug, however, and there’s 20 years of history that says San Antonio will roll through the drops of adversity in their path, starting with Wednesday’s visit to the Memphis Grizzlies.
It speaks volumes that, despite Leonard’s lengthy – and now renewed – absence this term, having the two-time Defensive Player of the Year on the sidelines hasn’t stopped his colleagues from conceding a league-low 97.6 points per game
Certainly, their offenxe has struggled – perhaps the key reason why Parker has moved into a reserve role and been replaced by Dejounte Murray, at least for now, as the Spurs look to get faster.
As an early indicator, the formula may be retained with the former 29th pick impressing in Tuesday’s 114-102 win over the slumping Cavaliers with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
But what next? San Antonio hasn’t won back to back games since early December and they face a Memphis team which has been victorious in four of its last five, improving to 12-13 at home.
Don’t expect a slugfest with going under 205.5 total points worth a punt. But with a favourable schedule stretch on either side of the All Star break for San Antonio, progress should come – even if Leonard remains on ice.
Best bet (1am)
- San Antonio -1.5 (19-20, Unibet)
