This week on ESPN Australia Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Patty Mills lead the way as the San Antonio Spurs are back to the Western Conference taking on old foes.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS VS NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

Time & Date: Thursday January 24 from the AT&T Centre

Coverage: LIVE 12:30pm AEDT (See TV Guide for other games and times)

The San Antonio Spurs will be defending their 14 game home winning streak against the peaking Eric Gordon and the New Orleans Hornets.

The season series belongs to the Spurs 2-1 although at their last meeting about 3 weeks ago, New Orleans defence was the difference as they muted Tony Parker.

The Hornets are somewhat streaking themselves, the future of the team is looking promising as they are all healthy for the first time this season.

They have a 5-2 record in their last 7 games. With just the Knicks and Clippers getting wins at the AT&T centre this season, it’s a tough challenge at hand.

Watch For:  Eric Gordon

He was the missing piece and it’s made the offense relevant for the defensive focused Hornets.

Traditionally he’s had big games against the Spurs and he scored a season high 24 against them in their previous meeting.

His scoring will be key in trying to outscore the slick offensive Spurs team.

DALLAS MAVERICKS VS SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Time & Date: Saturday January 26 from the American Airlines Arena

Coverage: LIVE 12:00pm AEDT (See TV Guide for other games and times)

From one Southwest Division rival to the next for the Spurs this week as a match-up with the Dallas Mavericks looms.

There’s no such thing as a night off in the NBA, although there might be for the Mavericks as they have 5 days between this game and last Monday’s win at Orlando.

The Mavs have won 4 of their last 5, only losing in overtime to Kevin Durant’s career high 52 points.

The offense is back to for Dallas too, they’ve scored over 100 points their last 6 games. The Spurs have their work cut out for them, but they’re no stranger to adversity.

Watch For:  Tony Parker in the paint

Parker has the highest field goal percentage of any guard in the paint in the NBA with it well over 50%.

His driving game destroyed the Atlanta Hawks, even though Tim Duncan was on the sidelines. He can do it all and at times he’s just unstoppable.

That’s a task for the Mavs to contend with.

These are the games you can catch on ESPN Australia via Foxtel throughout the week.

Will the Spurs show their true colours and take care of business or are the Mavericks or the Hornets poised to win a game against the methodical Spurs?

Photo Credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images