The gist: Both teams are coming off low-scoring two-point overtime wins. The Spurs lucked out after J.J. Redick heaved the ball after the buzzer while the Rockets relied on Samuel Dalembert’s putback dunk to seal the outcome against the Hornets.
Key matchup: Chandler Parsons vs Richard Jefferson
Jefferson has strung together four consecutive stinkers before redeeming himself against the Magic. Parsons’ string of highlight reels came to an abrupt end after a lone trey made his night. They would like nothing more than to use this game as a stepping stone to build momentum from.
X-factor: Kevin Martin
Martin has made his last 22 free throws dating back to the overtime win against Portland. He needs to stay aggressive and keep younger legs in Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, and Gary Neal constantly on their feet.
Code Red: Leonard will be a marked man. His minutes have increased since January 8, and over that span of seven games, he has garnered an average of 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals with those large mitts of his.
