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Spurs had a bad month behind

San Antonio will be without Parker tonight when they host a team who defeated them in the last six duels

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Besides not managing to complete their roster, San Antonio Spurs simply can't manage to find the rhythm to tie a few wins and get closer to the conference top. It's the opposite, due to the players' injuries, coach Popovich's team have been lining up defeats lately, so Duncan and his company got their sixth defeat in the last seven game thanks to the last game's defeat against the Pelicans.

After being close to the finding a solution without Westbrook in the tough game against Oklahoma, the Spurs got defeated a day later in New Orleans where the great Darvis remained a mystery for them. The Pelicans got to four points advantage by the half-time, and successfully kept that difference safe throughout the rest of the match. 

Even though they ended the game with the good 49.3% field goal, the Spurs defeated themselves with 17 turnovers. Duncan had four, but was the best of the Spurs with 20 (8/14) points and 11 rebounds, while Joseph, the second best individual, had three turnovers, but also 20 (8/9) points and five assists.

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- We just had too many turnovers, and made too many faults. We were our own biggest enemies tonight. We had a good shot percentage, but conceded 20 points because of the turnovers, and when you do that, you have big problems - Popovich commented.

Considering they have a tough month behind them, the Spurs are definitely not thrilled with the fact that they're hosting the Rockets tonight. The way things are right now, there's a big chance that Parker will get spared for a long time to heal his hamstring injury, and Leonard's comeback date is questionable, as well. All in all, it's obvious that the situation isn't ideal in the current champions' camp, but the good news is that Mills is expected to come back soon, and bring some width to Popovich's lineup.

- It's not an excuse, but the fact is that we had to use some players more than planned because of the injuries. We also played against teams that are athletically more powerful and younger than we are, so the result is what it is at the end of the month - Ginobili concluded.

While the Spurs can forget about the month behind them, the Houston Rockets have 8-3 ratio in December. Coach McHale's team made that ratio even better in the last two duels when they defeated direct rivals for the conference top. First they defeated the Blazers at home, then after Christmas, they defeated the Grizzlies where Josh Smith had a debut.

In a game that was mostly evened out, the Rockets were in a great situation about four minutes before the end, leading 100-91. However, the Grizzlies made a 13-4 series, and took the game to the overtime where Harden and his company reacted much better and got their 21st win this season. 

Coach McHale's team ended the game with the decent 41.5% field goal, and had an advantage in the rebounds, 54-44. Harden gave another great performance with 32 (10/17) points, 10 assists and eight rebounds, while Josh Smith showed what kind of a reinforcement he can be for the team with 21 (9/21) points and eight rebounds.

- We knew his values even before. All he's got to do now is get out to the court and play his game - Harden commented on Smith, while coach McHale added:

- As I get to know him, I think he'll fit into our offensive system better. He's a great low-post player, he can get in the action, and he can assist well. He brings a lot of flexibility, and he's also great in the defense.

After getting two wins against direct rivals for the conference top, the Houston Rockets will have a new duel of the kind tonight. Harden and his company will try to defeat the Spurs for the second time this season. In the first match, they managed to do it thanks to the Howard (32p) - Harden (20p) duo, and they are stronger tonight because of Smith.

Even though Smith doesn't know what it's like to defeat the Spurs at their own court yet, the great news is that the Rockets don't have similar issues - they won in the last two visits to Duncan and his company.