The Spurs have now won nine straight games at home.  The Hawks have lost six straight  The Spurs stifling defense returned Thursday night against the Jazz.  But San Antonio will need to keep up this intensity if they are to avoid a situation that might be ripe for an upset today.

Don't Drink the Water

Unfortunately the stomach flu is still going around.  Tim Duncan was not able to practice yesterday due to a upset stomach which has been the first symptom experienced by each of the Spurs that fought the flu bug last week.  Team officials listed him as questionable for this afternoon's game against Atlanta.  Manu Ginobili, Brent Barry and Matt Bonner all missed Tuesday's loss to Milwaukee after becoming sick.  Jacque Vaughn and Fabricio Oberto — in addition to both of the team's trainers and one assistant coach — also have been ill.

Robert Horry

If Duncan can't play, the Spurs could end up starting Robert Horry. Horry made his first start in Thursday's victory over Utah while filling in for center Francisco Elson, who remains sidelined with a right shoulder injury.   Horry became "Big Shot Rob" by making clutch baskets in critical games. That intensity was one of the reasons Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had him in the starting lineup against the Jazz.  Horry's play to open the second half had a big impact on Thursday's favorable outcome.

The 36-year-old Horry snagged three offensive rebounds, outjumping 25-year-old Andrei Kirilenko and 27-year-old Mehmet Okur. Eventually Horry set up Manu Ginobili for a drive to the basket that resulted in two free throws on the possession.  "He's always a smart player and understands the game and the situation," Spurs captain Tim Duncan said. "He did a great job of making plays for us when they were there, but he also hit the offensive glass and gave us a boost. He was a great passer tonight (on Thursday), as he always is. He was the player we need him to be."

Popovich also had a hunch he would get a playoff-like effort from Horry.  "Robert is a big-game sort of guy at this point in his career," Popovich said. "I think he looks toward those games with more relish and juice, in a way. He took that starting role very seriously, and I thought, starting the game, he and Timmy set the tone and everyone followed suit.  Because we played so poorly against Milwaukee (on Tuesday), I think Rob was ready to go out and try to change things and turn things around. I think he was ready to get everybody to play with a little bit more focus and maturity, and not play like we can turn it on whenever we want to."

Matt Bonner

Another player the Spurs are beginning to rely on more is Matt Bonner.  Matt felt much more comfortable Thursday night.  "The system is already in place and I have enough NBA experience and I’ve played enough games with the Spurs already to just come in and know my role."

The 6'10 Bonner, was acquired during the offseason in the deal that sent center Rasho Nesterovic to Toronto.  Bonner aggressively ####s the boards, spaces the floor on offense, and contributes points.  Known as the "Red Rocket", Matt will have to continue to step up until the flu bug finishes making its rounds. 

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