Even after losing 2 out of 3 games, there is absolutely no panic in the San Antonio Spurs. Because of that (and the even hand of Gregg Popovich), the team has announced that they will be without two of their top players when they travel to Boston for their last game before the All-Star break.
Tony Parker (rest) and Tiago Splitter (right calf contusion) will be on the shelf for the game, and while Splitter has a legitimate injury concern, Parker could almost certainly play if needed. It’s tough to argue with San Antonio’s decision, though, as their franchise cares only about the long-term, and there is little to be gained by trotting out either player over giving them a week-long rest.
Splitter has missed the past two games with the calf injury while Parker has been playing, but even without them, the Spurs have shown the ability to rise up and compete while short-handed, and against a less-than-spectacular Boston team, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them spring an “upset” on the road.