Wizards at Spurs
THE STORY: The San Antonio Spurs have hit a bit of a rough patch,
dropping three of their last five games at home. Tony Parker sat out
Friday’s loss to the Los Angeles Clippers but should be back in the
lineup on Monday, when the Spurs attempt to get back to .500 on the
homestand against the Washington Wizards. The Wizards have traded wins
and losses in four games this month but will be opening a six-game road
trip at San Antonio. Washington is only 3-14 and has dropped four
straight on the road.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, CS Washington (Capitals), FS Southwest (Spurs)
ABOUT THE WIZARDS (9-30):
Washington has shown signs of life recently, winning a close game
against the Cleveland Cavaliers to begin the month and coming back from a
big deficit to beat the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. The Wizards’
problems lie on the defensive end, where they rank 29th in the league in
opponents scoring average. Washington has held an opponent to less than
100 points once in the last 11 games - the 101-98 victory over the
Cavaliers. The defense let the Wizards down again Saturday when they
allowed the Portland Trail Blazers to shoot 51 percent in a 110-99 loss.
ABOUT THE SPURS (26-13):
Parker sat out Friday’s 120-108 loss to the Clippers because of a
bruised right thigh and general soreness. That loss marked the first
time San Antonio had lost to the Clippers at home in more than a decade.
A similar streak will be on the line Monday, as the Spurs have not lost
at home to Washington since Dec. 11, 1999 - a span of 11 games.
Speaking of defensive issues, San Antonio has allowed at least 95 points
to 10 of its last 11 opponents. The Spurs still hold a 2½-game lead
over the Memphis Grizzlies in the Southwest Division and sit second in
the West.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. San Antonio has taken 11 straight in the series overall.
2. Parker has averaged 17.8 points and 6.9 assists in 18 career games against the Wizards.
3. Washington point guard John Wall is averaging 10.3 assists in the last three games.