Shirts and Skins Give Advice on NBA Basketball: March 7

by Bodog Sportsbook | Mar 7 2008

San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns

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Q: Two weeks since the Shaq trade, how do you rate it? Are the Suns better?

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Melissa - In some countries, the word “Shaq” is a synonym for “success.” Thus, I didn’t feel his trade to the Suns was really that risky when it was announced.
However, it looks as though the Suns have a few kinks to work out before they can truly capitalize on the Big Cactus’ strengths. I don’t think it’s time to worry yet, even though Shaq has proven to be more risk than reward so far. Players on the Suns have switched positions to accommodate Shaq, and they’re trying to get back their team dynamic.
I have full confidence in my favorite guys from Phoenix! 

Jimmy - They’re two games under .500 (3-5) with Shaq in the lineup so I’d venture to say no, they are not better. Having Shaq really complicates their offense but I still believe in the long run, they’re better with him than Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. Especially in the playoffs.

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Q: Can the aging Spurs repeat as champions?

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Melissa - The Spurs can definitely be repeat champions. But they will use far fewer skills and far more cheap tricks to do it. I think tripping innocent NBA superstars and bribing the dirty refs to “look the other way” will play an even bigger role in their future success. 

Jimmy - Yes. They’re the odds-on favorites until coach Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili say otherwise. Forget the oddsmakers who say the Lakers and Celtics are each 5/2 to win it all. This isn’t the ’80s. Take the Spurs at 11/2.

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Q: Should they rename the Sixth Man award the “Manu” award?

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Melissa - Manu Ginobili deserves the Sixth Man award because he’s been the best sixth man in the league this year. But naming the award after him dooms him to be the sixth man every year. Maybe our South American friend wants to be the fifth man for a change. Or, gasp, the first man. My crack team of NBA enthusiasts says I’ve got it all wrong — that being the best sixth man is really a compliment. Clearly, they don’t know what they’re talking about.

Jimmy - No, especially since he’s never won it. If you wanna name it after someone, give that honor to Kevin McHale. He won it twice, in 1984 and 1985.

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Q: Who wins this game?

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Melissa - Definitely the Spurs. They will assault the opposition all the way to the top.


Jimmy - San Antonio. They’ve had the Suns’ number both mentally and physically for years now and that’s not going to change anytime soon. Plus, Nash always has a helluva time trying to stick with Tony Parker.

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Q: What players will have the biggest impact on the game?

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Melissa - Spurs: Manu Ginobili: Not only does basketball run in Ginobili’s family, but he is an Olympian. I trust him and his superhuman skills to crunch the competition in this game. Bruce Bowen: If Manu takes a sick day, the Spurs will have to rely on Bowen and his bag of nasty tricks to win. Will his trick leg “accidentally” kick someone in the shin? Will he let loose a careless fist, connecting it with someone’s face? Or will he stand innocently in someone’s jump shot landing space, foot extended, to maximize possible injuries?

Suns: Amare Stoudemire: Stoudemire has a big impact on every game. He is as safe a bet as I’ve ever seen. Shaq: Shaq is like a late blooming weed. He’ll take over the court eventually. It’s just a matter of sunlight and time.

Jimmy - Amare Stoudemire always plays well against San Antonio, mostly due to their lack of a quality PF. But if Kurt Thomas picked up anything from his days in Phoenix, it might’ve been how to slow Amare down a bit. For San Antonio, the impact guy will be Ginobili. He’ll probably be furious they’re not going to name the Sixth Man award after him.