Game #40 Raptors @ Spurs

[rocwell]

LOL, first reports were ruled out, but it seems Nurse followed that up with the old "you ever know." Officially questionable.

https://twitter.com/WolstatSun/statu...20003450007553

Sneaky Raptors

[rocwell]

Just another game.

[KeonClark]

Seems like JV is about 3-4 weeks away still too, according to Nurse, according to Blake.

That's kind of disappointing. I understand 4 weeks was a very optimistic hope, but that was 3 weeks ago, and I dont wanna restart the 4 week countdown

[KeonClark]

Just another game.

It's cool how the spurs games are both big events but from completely different storylines. This one will be about Kawhi and an icy return facing boo's, the next one will be about demar and a more warm and fuzzy one with adulation

[The Great One]

Just another game.

Tomorrow is gonna be lit. Man City vs Liverpool then Raps vs Spurs.

[slaw]

Given the game, I expect the Raps to come out and play with a sense of urgency. They haven't done it much this year - it's mostly been coasting with spurts of effort - but I would anticipate a GSW-game focus from them. We'll see. They've been off-balance without Lowry and they haven't found any kind of a replacement for JV's production. Hopefully, they'll start dialing it up now that the calendar has turned....

[DanH]

That's kind of disappointing. I understand 4 weeks was a very optimistic hope, but that was 3 weeks ago, and I dont wanna restart the 4 week countdown

Yeah at the time it was ~4 weeks to "re-evaluation." So considering he got his stitches out a few days ago, he's probably ahead of that schedule, we just never had a timeline for how long the recovery would be after that re-evaluation.

[G__Deane]

As the world waits with baited breath to see if pop and Kawhi acknowledge each other. My bet says no, especially cause Kawhi never shakes hands post game anyways but I think he barely acknowledges their entire team.

Danny will be ever the politician with smiles and hugs, and DeRozan will likewise hug all his friends. Watch Lowry sit on the bench finally lol

This is definitely a game where I'd prefer all the pre-game hugs and kisses to wait. Even in a "regular" game, I'd prefer all that goofiness be done off-court but that's just me. As long as we pull out the W, I'm good with it.

There was a recent interview with Antetokounmpo where was was asked about working out with other stars durijng the off season and he basically said "I don't want to be friends with the enemy in or off season, I just want to beat them"

The dude immediately went up 3 rungs on my personal respect ladder that day
-He's definitely coming here to play with Kawhi

[rocwell]

DeMar on has he connected with Masai: ‘we haven’t talked ... there’s no need to’

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) January 2, 2019

[Yuri Gagarin]

Sofukinstoked

[GLF]

DeMar on has he connected with Masai: ‘we haven’t talked ... there’s no need to’

— Michael Grange (@michaelgrange) January 2, 2019

Why are they still asking him this lol. He's already said this in the off season, obviously he isn't gonna reach out to Masai

[Zainab]

I doubt Lowry plays

Green on Lowry and Valanciunas and if he’s talked to them: “They are my teammates. I see them. They are alive and well.” Says he hopes they have their popcorn ready for tomorrow (to watch, not play, expects both to travel).

— Ryan Wolstat (@WolstatSun) January 2, 2019

[The Great One]

In my mind... keep thinking #Spurs #Raptors comes down to a 1 possession game, DeMar with the ball, Kawhi defending him... so@I asked DeMar about it: “Great movie.” pic.twitter.com/NuEV3H0E9A

— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) January 2, 2019

[Scraptor]

Also looks like Rudy is doubtful on their end. So matchups will look like:

White vs VanVleet
Forbes vs Green
DeMar vs Kawhi
Aldridge vs Pascal
Poeltl/Bertans vs Ibaka

Obviously the two key matchups are the ones with DeMar and LMA. Kawhi should smother DD but Aldridge will be tricky. Also Derrick White will have something of a size mismatch on FVV.

[planetmars]

Also looks like Rudy is doubtful on their end. So matchups will look like:

White vs VanVleet
Forbes vs Green
DeMar vs Kawhi
Aldridge vs Pascal
Poeltl/Bertans vs Ibaka

Obviously the two key matchups are the ones with DeMar and LMA. Kawhi should smother DD but Aldridge will be tricky. Also Derrick White will have something of a size mismatch on FVV.

Do the Spurs play Aldridge and Poeltl at the same time? I always thought LMA was their center.

I watched a few Spurs games early in the season and Poeltl was getting glued to the bench. Sounds like Pop has more trust in him now.