Draftmix News

There is no question that tonight will offer somewhat of a playoff atmosphere after the Suns disappointing and controversial Western Conference Semi-Finals loss to the Spurs last season. San Antonio suffered their first home loss to the Suns, so expect a similar atmosphere and the same type of emotion and intensity that a playoff game would offer.

Under normal circumstances I would easily choose the Dallas/Boston match-up as the NBA game of the night, however, due to the uncertainty of Kevin Garnett (abdominal) and Ray Allen (flu), even without Tony Parker the San Antonio at Phoenix match-up has much more fantasy appeal. For those of you who play in weekly fantasy basketball competitions, hopefully you were able to fill you roster with players from this game.

Fantasy Impact:
Tim Duncan: How do I explain the importance of Tim Duncan to the Spurs and this match-up in particular? I don’t, the numbers speak for themselves and in the Spurs/Suns previous meeting Tim went off for 36 points and 18 rebounds.

Manu Ginobili: In only 29 minutes per game Ginobili averaged 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists with season highs of 37 points twice. With Parker sidelined and Ginobili’s role expected to increase look for his totals to increase.

Michael Finley: As a swing-man Finley’s defensive ability and his versatility allows the Spurs to play different combinations at any given time. From a fantasy perspective, Finley should have a big night considering he’s now the Spurs third option offensively against a Suns team that plays minimal defense.

Steve Nash: The two time MVP doesn’t need an introduction and definitely doesn’t need for me to mention his importance to this game. Not that Parker would have made a difference defensively, but in his absence Nash will easily find open looks and open teammates.

Amare Stoudamire: It would be fun to watch Tim and Amare go toe to toe, but unfortunately we won’t and with the Spurs having multiple “Bigs” Amare may be in for a long night. In their first meeting this season Amare only had 17 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. He also finished the game with five personal fouls in 32 minutes of play.

Leandro Barbosa: Barbosa may be the biggest mismatch in this game. Ginobili can’t guard him because of his offensive responsibility and the Spurs simply aren’t deep enough to keep the explosive Barbosa from creating his own shots and knocking down his open looks. If he gets hot the Spurs could walk away 20+ point losers.

Shawn Marion: Marion was shut down in their first meeting. He only attempted seven field-goals and never found his way to the charity stripe. In 34 minutes of play Marion managed a miserable nine points and three rebounds under his season average of nine.

As we all know, on any given night any one of these players from either team has the ability to post 30+ points. It’s the NBA, to a certain extent any player in the league has that ability. San Antonio will try to make it a slow-paced game, but the horses from the desert will be certain to force the tempo.  Enjoy this fantasy match-up of the night.