NUMBER OF IMPORT

MATCHUP OF THE GAME

The brilliant, quick Parker will be a nice test for Thomas, though I forever fear pick and roll defense against Parker-Tim Duncan. On the other end, Isaiah has a chance to keep Parker on his heels and punish him with the long ball. I love watching quick-on-quick battles, and this is one of the better ones out there.

3 THINGS

1. Defense! Was Sacramento's good defensive effort for three quarters plus overtime on Friday a fluke of poor shooting by Miami, or something real to build on? For what it's worth, San Antonio is No. 9 in the NBA in offense this season.

3. Closing out on shooters. I thought the Kings defended the three-point line well on Friday; that will need to continue, as S.A. is No. 3 in three-point percentage.

START FOUR

Penultimate game of December. There are currently 58 folks ahead of me. I aim to trim that down today. Trash talk!

PREGAME HAIKU

PREDICTION