Looks like we won't have Arroyo to D up Van Exel or Parker. Will there be an Acker sighting?

How about a Lindsay Hunter debut?

It would be a tough game for Acker to make an appearance in, but pressure shouldn't affect his D if that is all that we ask of him.

This is going to be a tough game to win. We are not especially rested. They will have revenge on their minds with Ginobli back. They have vowed to get more aggressive on the boards from getting beat up in Detroit last time. I will be watching the offense to see if we get ball movement, if we can get Rip open and if we use Sheed both inside and out. Bringing Sheed out on this team hurts them because it takes Duncan away from the basket. You have to keep Parker out of the lane as they go to him in the first quarter. Ginobli's shot is back and Bowen is shooting better this year. We have to attack Horry down low on his defense. Teams have been sending players into the lane to receive passes and that causes problems for their bigs. We have to take the quick look, run the break and finally, on the half court, make the extra pass.

Playing Darko a few minutes against Duncan would help the young man's confidence. I'd like to see it if only to shut up the Darko lovers if Darko can't man up. But also I'm curious to see how Darko would do. A few posters feel Darko can help on Shaq and Duncan in the playoffs. Let's get a glimpse.

This game is the tune setter of the NBA, I knew the Pistons would win on Christmas Day. This game which we will see again in june almost at the half way of the season is huge for both teams. Now I admit because the way Detroit beat down the Spurs in December that I picked Detroit to lose this game. Now I will be suprised if the Pistons get blown out but I feel there will be a time in the game where the Spurs may go up double digits and look to have all the energy in the world but the game at the end will have a close score game look to it.

We know Arroyo might not play in this game with the bone head bump of the official. I like to see how this team repsond to one of its players not playing thats in the rotation. Arroyo is not a huge minutes player but he is part of the regular rotation and is big when he can give Billups good rest during the game. Hunter did not even make the trip so it will be interesting to see what the Pistons do. I think Acker is not ready for a game of this Magnitude but what they hey I say play the kid because I feel the Spurs will take this game and for the benefit of Alex you get to see what he can do agains't the best.

Like last years game at San Ann the score was 80-77 and the game was not that close but the Pistons with Billups shot lights out towards the end to get back into the game and San Ann pulled it out. THis game will have the same feel the first team to 80 will win this game and it will be a high energy game because the winner will have more wins in the W side but the Pistons still will have a better winning percentage. I perdict Spurs 88 Pistons 84( I hope that I'm wrong but The Spurs and Pistons are easy to pick at times)

Here's a summary of the last Pistons-Spurs game by Kevin Pelton, who predicts a Spurs victory in the rematch.

http://www.82games.com/pelton12.htm

From that article, Manu should be the difference:
Ginobili's presence will probably be the most important. On Dec. 25, San Antonio's swingmen (Barry, Bowen and Finley) combined for 15 points on 6-for-17 shooting; Ginobili averages 15.5 points. Ginobili is having an off season from 3-point range, hitting just 32.4%, but still will help stretch the Detroit defense after the Spurs shot 2-for-7 from downtown in the first matchup.

One of the things I did not post earlier is the TP factor. Tay is the key to every Spurs and Pistons match up. he is the one guy that San Ann can not match up one on one. What the Spurs have been doing lately since the Finals is double teaming Tay every time he gets the Ball. The only way I see Detroit winning this game is Tay goes off big weather it be high assist or big time scoring in the paint Tay is the X factor come Thursday night.

Sheed and the three ball is a huge play come crunch time if needed but I think the play where CB post up his man and Sheed standing beyound the arc is a difference maker in the NBA and a unstoppable play when executed perfectly. Niether Van Excel or Parker can check CB on the post and so it leaves no choice but to have Horry or whoever will have to double leaving Sheed open beyound the arc for a open look. WEll this will be a great game to see just really to see how the Pistons respond win or lose.

Too bad he won't be back until the 16th.