The Spurs’ awful stretch

Things have suddenly gone downhill for the San Antonio Spurs, who have now lost six of their last seven games. On Saturday, they were edged out by the Orlando Magic, 111-109, after allowing seven Magic players to score in double figures. Following the loss, the Spurs dropped to a 5-7 record.

Their scattered scoring is going down the drain

The struggles are much more frustrating when you know that the Spurs system is yet again doing a good job of scattering the scoring opportunities. Along with their All-Stars DeMar DeRozan (20.1 PPG) and LaMarcus Aldridge (17.9 PPG), who are leading the offensive attack, five more players are averaging double-digit points – Rudy Gay, Patty Mills, Derrick White, DeJounte Murray, and Bryn Forbes.

Last year’s season-series with the Blazers

The Spurs split the season series with the Portland Trail Blazers last season, 2-2, and they are now 23rd and 22nd in points allowed and defensive rating this season, respectively, so it’s always a tough call.

The Blazers aren’t looking so good themselves

As mentioned, like the Spurs, the Blazers are trending down as well. They too are losers in six of their last seven games, quite far off the team that went to the Western Conference Finals last season.

Even with Damian Lillard providing a big chunk of offense (30.5 PPG, 6.9 APG), Portland is only holding a 4-8 win-loss card, and a handful of those Ls came after late-game collapses.

Among the many problems is the up-and-down start from Lillard’s buddying star, CJ McCollum, who despite scoring 20.1 per game, is shooting a career-low 40.7% from the floor. He has shot below 40% in five of his 12 games this season, two of which was also below 28%.

How can Carmelo Anthony help?

The recent signing of free agent superstar Carmelo Anthony was the big news out of Rip City this week, but reports have said that it’s not likely that he can suit up against the Spurs. It’s also a mystery as to how well he could fit to the Blazers’ system, considering the rocky reputation he has on both sides of the ball. Anthony, known for his scoring, love for isolation plays on the high post, and lacklustre effort on defense, is always huge question mark, even for this Blazers team that’s thin on the small forward position.

PREDICTION:

The Spurs get the win and survive a scoring onslaught from Lillard.