johnnybones says:
I think style will dictate this game. Truth is, nobody knows how bad Tim Duncan's knees are. A little rest may not mean much if there are just too many miles on his knees. Dallas is such a two-faced team. At times they look like World Beaters pushing the ball up the floor - and others they miss 10 straight shots. There is no chance in hell that Kidd keeps Parker in front of him. If TP can get into the lane and cause havoc, Dallas is going to have problems. If the Spurs settle for drive and dumps for outside shots from Bonner, Mason, and Finley (all capable 3-point shooters as we know), then I could see Dallas stealing game 1 if they are hot from the outside. I think Carlisle will try and post up Kidd against Parker to make him work on D. Parker knows he cannot get in foul trouble which could lead to Kidd having some easy opportunities down low. Pops might be the best coach in the NBA, especially on the defensive end, but how much offense can the Spurs produce? I think enough, as Dallas doesn't exactly dedicate itself on the defensive end. Parker can have a field day in the lane and should in this game. I keep hearing how Duncan his the key to this series and I could not disagree more. Tony Parker showed he can win without Duncan this year, as they did on a few occasions. Parker breaking down the Dallas defense is the key - which he will. I look for him to have an enormous series. Dallas is a really popular pick to win this series. We'll see. Dallas loves to shoot from the perimeter. Not sure that's the way to beat any team, let alone the Spurs. Anyway, good luck to everyone who bets this game.