Shirts and Skins Give Advice on NBA Basketball: March 20

by Bodog Sportsbook | Mar 20 2008

San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks

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Q:  The Spurs have been slipping as of late. Should they be concerned?

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Melissa - Unfortunately, the Spurs do not have enough karma banked to walk off this losing streak easily. Sure, they've been playing against strong teams. And, they've been playing said teams after spending long hours crammed into planes, trains and automobiles. But, even without these roadblocks, I still think the gig is up for San Antonio. As I've said before, they can't rely on their tactics of old to win this year. "Hip checking" players from better teams is just so 2007. I don't think they’ll be able to kick enough people in the nuts to gain a higher seed position.

Jimmy - The Spurs should be concerned with the level of competition coming out of the West these days. The Suns and Shaq have finally gotten on a roll, the Lakers will be scary come playoff time, and Houston is coming off one of the greatest winning streaks the league has ever seen. Sure the Spurs are usually dependable, but the outcome of this Dallas game is going to determine whether Pop should start to sweat or not.

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Q: Jason Kidd or Tony Parker?

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Melissa - I scratched my head for many minutes over this question. Really, what are my superiors getting at here?

Is it: "Who is the best: Jason Kidd or Tony Parker?"
Answer: Kobe Bryant.
(This is what my Crack Team of NBA Enthusiasts advised — I just work here.)

Or, is it: "Who would make a more dedicated astronaut: Jason Kidd or Tony Parker?"
Answer: Jason Kidd would enjoy the free and easy lifestyle found on the International Space Station. Kidd would finally find the time to take up finger painting, helping him calm his inner child. 

Or maybe, "Who has secured a more attractive mate: Jason Kidd or Tony Parker?"
Answer: Tony Parker gets to gaze into Eva Longoria’s eyes every day, which is infinitely more often than Jason Kidd gets to do it. The Frenchman wins again.   

Jimmy - I've got to go with Parker. Kidd's return to Dallas has been lukewarm at best, but I wouldn't count him out entirely. If we're talking right now, Parker is the better PG for his team. Give Kidd another week and it might be a different story.

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Q: How do you think Kurt Thomas and Damon Stoudamire have worked out since the deadline?

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Melissa - In short, they haven't. They're mostly backup players, which means they can't change the Spurs' game that much. Also, both Thomas and Stoudamire are really old for NBA superstars. Lastly, I think Stoudamire's well-intentioned but somewhat creepy tattoo of his late grandmother's face and address might be freaking out his teammates…you know, that whole "Wanda’s watching you!" feeling they must get. Weird.

Jimmy - I see Thomas' contribution off the bench as a positive, but Stoudamire really hasn't had the impact we were all hoping for. Thomas has been able to come in and relieve Duncan for at least a few fouls, but Stoudamire is really showing his age of late. I would say the Spurs are 1 for 2 with this one.

> Get your NBA Basketball Lines in the Bodog Sportsbook.

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Q: Is this going to be a "playoff atmosphere" type game, or are these two teams saving it?

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Melissa - You can bet your painted pony this game will have a playoff atmosphere. Dallas and San Antonio have an interstate rivalry, which means the crazy fans in Texas will be stepping up the "rowdy" in a big way. Second, Dallas is a half game away from that sixth seed place. And, after discussing this matter with my crack team of NBA enthusiasts, we figure that Dallas will do anything to get that spot. Otherwise, they'll be stuck playing the Lakers first in the playoffs, and nobody wants the Mamba's kiss of death that early on.

Jimmy - This will be a playoff type game. Every game with these two is a playoff-type game and neither team has ever been criticized for "coasting into the playoffs." I would expect the big men to put up some big numbers and the point guard battle to go end to end.

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Q: Who wins?

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Melissa - Dallas for sure.
The Spurs aren't doing well at away games, mostly because they are folded up for hours on end in various modes of uncomfortable transport. Also, Dallas will have two days of rest and the Spurs will only have one for their Sunday game. Beauty sleep, folks: It’s a powerful thing.

Jimmy - Spurs win, but it'll be close. Dirk isn't having the season he had last year and San Antonio is always steady. They come ready every game and they have the difference-maker we haven't even mentioned in Manu Ginobili.