San Antonio Spurs Getting Their Chance at The Title

For seasons, the San Antonio Spurs, as a team, have been viewed as underrated. The Spurs are under the radar every season, but always end up making it to the top of the standings. The Spurs have ended every season in at least third place or higher since the 2000-2001 season.

Will they make the playoffs this season and get their chance at the Title, or is this year different?

The Spurs are currently 1-4 and in last place in the Southwest Division. They have an 0-3 record at home, with only one win on the road to the Timberwolves (in double-over-time).

Only three players (Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, and Roger Mason) have scored in double-figures more than once this season for the Spurs.

The Spurs don't have much depth this season with Brent Barry now on the Houston's roster. Veteran forward Kurt Thomas is starting at Center for now, but at the age of 36 I believe Thomas won't be much of help for the Spurs this year and is on the verge of retirement.

Ex All-Star Michael Finley hasn't done much at all this season, averaging a career-low 6 points per game so far in five games.

Injuries have also set the Spurs back from winning games this season. Sixth-man Emanuel Ginobili is out with an ankle injury until at least early mid-December. His presence on the court enables the Spurs to win games and you can already see how horrible the Spurs are doing so far without him. 

Along with Ginobili, last night starting point-guard Tony Parker left the game in the first quarter due to an ankle injury; and is now expected to miss a month before returning to play.

                 Key Reasons the Spurs could miss the Playoffs & what IF's

• Lack of depth will definitely be the cause for many loses this season. The Spurs entire roster needs to step up and produce.
•  IF the bench players don't step up, the team might need to make some moves and either sign a few players or trade some to maintain a high average of bench points this season.
  
• The squad has injured players that are stopping them from winning and are clearly the key to their success (SG, Manu Ginobili & PG, Tony Parker). 
• IF Ginobili comes back when expected, he might be the savior for the Spurs this season as he is one-of-a-kind on the court.
• Duncan is now 32 years of age and it seems as if he is nearing the end of his prime. His numbers definitely won't improve from last season, but they won't decline much either.
•  IF Duncan can stay healthy for the entire season, he will be a huge factor in whether or not the Spurs make the playoffs this year.