NBA 12/6

[robitale]

Spurs -7.5

The Spurs wanted to reclaim their pride after the 9-point loss in Golden State. They did just that on Monday by destroying the Warriors 143-89 at the AT&T Center. It was a statement from the Spurs as they looked extremely good against the team, which came away with a win over them a week earlier. The Spurs received 75 points from its bench. They blocked shots, they played around, throwing no-look passes, 8 players scored in double digits. Manu returned to the court after missing the previous four games and had 9 assists in 15 minutes.

No one doubts that the Spurs are one of the best teams in the league. Which makes them so strong is that they hardly let themselves any let down games. And if they do, they definitely try to bounce back next time. The Spurs have another opportunity for one of those wins when they meet the Bobcats, who beat them 95-92 in overtime on Nov. 15.

The Bobcats have actually played quite well against the league’s elite. Four of their five victories (Detroit, San Antonio, Cleveland and New Jersey) came against teams that at the time led their divisions. We think that the mentality of the other team plays a big role in there. For example many teams have canceled their usual morning shootaround when playing against the Bobcats. They seem to think that if they turn it on, they should somehow find a way to win. Big mistake for sure, cause the Bobcats isn’t the same team it was in the past. The Spurs, however, should know that.

Tonight it’s going to be a payback time. The game the Spurs lost against the Bobcats few weeks ago was a big setback and now they’ll get the chance to redeem theirselves and take what belongs to them. The Cats have played some solid games recently but they are a bit shorthanded at the moment. Matt Carroll missed practice Tuesday with a sprained right elbow and will probably be sidelined for tonight’s game. Also guard Bevin Knight and forward Gerald Wallace missed practice, though they are expected to play tonight. Bookies offer –7.5 as a handicap for the Spurs. Medium stakes.

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