Spurs at Lakers
THE STORY: After getting smoked by the Lakers 98-84 on April 11
at home, the San Antonio Spurs get their chance at revenge Tuesday in
Los Angeles. Kobe Bryant didn’t play in last week’s meeting because of a
sore left shin and is not expected to play again Tuesday. Bryant shot
at the team’s practice facility but is expected to miss his sixth
consecutive game. The Lakers are 4-1 without him. San Antonio got to
rest several starters in breezing to a 120-99 victory over Golden State
on Monday.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, TNT
ABOUT THE SPURS (43-16): San Antonio is back atop the Western
Conference by percentage points over Oklahoma City (44-17), but coach
Gregg Popovich reiterated he is concerned first about his team’s health
not its playoff position. “Trying to win is part of it, trying to stay
healthy is part of it,” Popovich said. “That's got to be our main
concern, not positioning.” Tim Duncan played only 12 minutes. Tony
Parker and Manu Ginobili sat almost the entire second half.
ABOUT THE LAKERS (39-22):
The Lakers have shown wherewithal to win without their franchise
player. They beat the Spurs last week as Andrew Bynum had 30 rebounds,
becoming the fifth Laker overall and first since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in
1978 to grab that many. Metta World Peace scored 26 points. “We have to
be really disciplined with our execution, understand how unselfish they
play and how well they move the ball,” Pau Gasol said of the Spurs.
Ramon Sessions is probable with a sprained shoulder.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. The teams meet for the third and final time Friday in San Antonio.
2. San Antonio will complete three games in three nights Wednesday at Sacramento.
3. The Spurs haven’t lost to the Warriors since Jan. 7, 2008.