Spurs at Hornets
THE STORY: Playing the second of three games in as many nights, the San Antonio Spurs could elect to rest veteran Tim Duncan for Saturday's road game against the New Orleans Hornets. That might not be easy, given Duncan's success against the Hornets, which included a season-high 28 points in a two-point win at New Orleans. The Spurs will be seeking a third straight win over the Hornets, who have a league-worse 20 home losses.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southwest, CST
ABOUT THE SPURS (31-14): Despite the absence of All-Star point guard Tony Parker, San Antonio churned out a 17-point win over Dallas on Friday, its fifth victory in six games. Duncan was among six players in double figures with 15 points and also grabbed 12 rebounds to help the Spurs dominate the defending champions on the glass 54-34. Boris Diaw made his Spurs debut after he was released by Charlotte. Although he scored only two points, Duncan praised Diaw’s defense against Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki.
ABOUT THE HORNETS (12-35): Even on a day off, New Orleans managed to suffer a loss. The NBA suspended Hornets forward Jason Smith two games without pay for his body-check on Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin in Thursday's game. Smith was apologetic afterward for knocking Griffin to the floor. Smith, who tied his season high with 17 points Thursday, will sit out the Spurs game as well as a return matchup with the Clippers in Los Angeles.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. San Antonio has won eight of the last 10 meetings.
2. The Hornets have gone 8-24 in games decided by 10 points or less.