NBA schedule: Heat struggle with shorthanded Spurs

Heat 105, Spurs 100

We found out before the game that Gregg Popovich would sit Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Danny Green. We found out as the game began that David Stern would sanction the Spurs for their decision to deprive the wonderful, dedicated NBA fans of Miami the opportunity to see pick-and-rolls, bank shots and Eurosteps from the most successful team of the past 15 years. Then we found out the Spurs’ B-team is actually pretty good. San Antonio had a five-point lead with just over two minutes left, but Miami closed the game on a 12-2 run to take victory. Ray Allen had 11 points in the fourth quarter; LeBron had three assists. Now, we wait to see what sanctions Stern will actually hand down. Imagine the discomfort had San Antonio actually won.

Warriors 106, Nuggets 105

Instant reply earned its salary on Thursday in Oakland, as there were four video reviews in the final five seconds, including a review that resulted in what would have been Andre Iguodala’s game-winning three being waved off, giving Golden State the victory. Iguodala had missed a third free throw moments earlier, but the Warriors knocked the carom out of bounds to give Denver another chance. Review showed a Warrior knocked Andre Miller’s first inbounds pass out of bounds; the Nuggets got the next one in, but Iguodala pulled the trigger a smidge too late. David Lee led all scorers with 31 on 13-15 shooting. Stephen Curry added 20 points and 10 assists.

Curry finished with 20 points, 10 assists and four steals. Thompson added 21 points and nine rebounds on 10-for-19 shooting from the field. Jack added 18 points off the bench.

The Warriors improved to 9-6 while the Nuggets dropped back to .500 at 8-8.

Unfortunately, Barkley didn’t get a question off about Stern’s proclamations. But this sequence might have been even better.

“My bad.” Even Barkley turns to stone when Popovich gives him that glare.

The Heat and Spurs are slated to tip off at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on TNT.

How will the Spurs defend pick-and-roll? Greg Popovich has his team playing great defense this year, and the No. 1 mark in preventing points on isolation plays (0.57 points per possession) is a good sign, but pick-and-rolls and spot-ups are where the Spurs tend to struggle. According to MySynergySports, San Antonio’s 0.81 ppp allowed on pick-and-roll ranks No. 21 in the NBA, and their 1.01 ppp given up on spot-ups is good for No. 23 overall.

The Spurs might have to simply outgun the Heat on Thursday night if they want to come home from their road trip with a perfect 6-0 mark.

It took four weeks and a visit to face the defending champions before the San Antonio Spurs were finally made an NBA underdog this season.

Oddsmakers made the host Miami Heat six-point favorites for the Thursday night battle with San Antonio. The Spurs get to play the underdog role for the first time in 2012.