The San Antonio Spurs can still be contenders
In a season which has been decimated by injuries, how is it the San Antonio Spurs can be only one injury away from contention?
The San Antonio Spurs have had one of the worst seasons in recent history in terms of injuries. How the team is still in playoff contention despite the sheer weight of these injuries will become the stuff of legends.
This is mainly due to the quality of players who have been injured. Their superstar, Kawhi Leonard, has played only nine games. Rudy Gay has missed 25 games, Tony Parker missed the start of the season and the list goes on and on.
However, the Spurs have put their faith in the defensive system. As per usual, this has led them to success. Currently the Spurs lead the NBA in fewest opponent points per game, allowing only 99.3 on the season.
If they make it into the postseason, it is this defensive system and mindset which will potentially take them deep into the playoffs.
However, there is another factor which will help the Spurs, should they make it. Leonard is not far off returning. He is being held out of games at the moment. While the Spurs are still in the playoff mix, this may be in a effort to make sure he is healthy come mid-April.
Can they still make the playoffs?
Currently, the Spurs are only one game out of the fifth seed. The Minnesota Timberwolves are 3-4 since Jimmy Butler was injured. This includes the game against the Houston Rockets where Butler went down. Likewise, the New Orleans Pelicans are without DeMarcus Cousins, who is out for the season with an Achilles injury.
Compare this with the fact the Spurs are almost back to full strength and you can see why there is potential optimism. The best position for the Spurs to finish would likely be the seventh seed and they would welcome this seeding. This sounds a little out there but here is the reason why.
Who they may face
Tthe second seed in the West belongs to the Golden State Warriors, who would be the best matchup for the Spurs in the first round. The Spurs match up well against last year’s champions when Leonard plays.
The Warriors have played more basketball than anyone over the past three years, with the exception of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Last year’s champions have had a target on their back for this time and the cracks are starting to show.
They are also losing key players to injury at the wrong time of the season. This is going to interrupt their momentum and it is exposing their weaknesses on the bench. As it is, the Spurs — if they are back at full strength — will have a point to prove against the Warriors.
If one of the key Warriors suffers an injury in this series, then the Spurs could pull off the upset. Winning three more series after that would be tough, but with the Warriors out the way and Leonard back, the Spurs could surprise many.
Next: 2017-18 Week 22 NBA Power Rankings
The season is not over for the San Antonio Spurs, they have too much talent to lie down. One thing is for sure, none of them has given up.