Both the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns are in play for the postseason and are trying to avoid second-half season collapses to get there. The Spurs are off to a good start as they come off two impressive road wins against the Clippers and Trail Blazers. Now they face the Suns are ready to get a big win at home.
The Spurs continue to play without Tony Parker. The veteran has missed four straight games while San Antonio goes six of eight on this nine-game road trip. The rise of reserve Patty Mills has certainly helped in Parker's absence. The guard put up 29 points in the win against Portland while both Parker and Tim Duncan say out. Parker is expected to be out for some time with multiple injuries as Duncan is expected back after a routine rest day.
Mills has certainly been clutch. He scored 25 points against the Clippers as he averages 21.0 points over his last seven games. He has never logged more than 29 minutes per game, instead just developing into a sharp shooter. Marco Belinelli is helping with 20 points while Manu Ginobili is putting up 16 a game.
San Antonio looks to keep their success against Phoenix going as the Suns contend in the Western Conference. The Spurs have won eight of their last nine against the team including four straight road games. Phoenix is coming off a 100-94 win over the Boston Celtics where Channing Frye had 22 points in the win. Markieff Morris added 18. Phoenix moved to 2-0 after the All-Star break, picking up right where they left off.
The Suns have won three of their last four games. They are in the midst of a nine-game road trip while sitting 3 ½ games back in the Pacific Division.