NBA Finals rematch at the Meadowlands

The Spurs defeated the Nets in the NBA Finals in six games. Tim Duncan, who collected 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and eight blocked shots in the series finale, has played huge against the Nets in his career. However, Duncan could be slowed tonight by a sprained left ankle.

Duncan may have to bang with Kenyon Martin, who could return tonight for the Nets. Martin has played in just two games this season and has been out of action since October 31 when he sprained his left ankle in a game against Minnesota. Martin has missed the last five games and Nets head coach Byron Scott is expected to make a decision late in the afternoon if Martin will be ready to start tonight.

The Nets will have another big body to tangle with Duncan as Alonzo Mourning will be used off the bench. New Jersey however figures to be without forward Brian Scalabrine, who has a strained hip flexor. New Jersey also has Rodney Rogers (dislocated left thumb), Lucious Harris (lower back pain) and Damone Brown (back spasms) on the injured list.

The Spurs are coming off an 87-78 win over Utah Monday night and this evening San Antonio begins a three-game road trip. Gregg Popovich’s team will play at Philadelphia on Friday and will battle Washington on Saturday. Monday night, Duncan had 16 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. Tony Parker, who returned from an ankle injury, had nine points in his season debut. Manu Ginobili led San Antonio with 18 points.

Parker will be matched up with Nets star guard Jason Kidd tonight. Kidd’s team has lost three of its last four games and is coming off a 98-84 defeat versus Detroit on Sunday at Auburn Hills. The Nets managed only 37 points in the second half. New Jersey had all five starters in double figures led by Kidd with 18 points and 11 assists. Jason Collins had his second straight strong effort, as he added a double-double of his own with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Kidd has played 33 games against the Spurs in his career, more than he’s played against any other team. For his career, Kidd is averaging 14 points, 9.7 assists and 7.7 rebounds against the Spurs.

Since the start of the 2001-02 season, the Nets have won three of their last four games against the Spurs in the regular season. The Nets have also won three straight and five of their last six home games versus the Spurs.