Tony Parker is day-to-day with sprained ankle

Apr 28, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) talks with head coach Gregg Popovich during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks in game four of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Here is a little storyline to keep an eye on as the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs face off in the Game 5 of their series.

According to Dan McCarney of the San Antonio Express-News, Spurs guard Tony Parker is day-to-day with a grade 1 ankle sprain.

With the Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle making a concerned effort with keeping the role players on the Spurs tame and in check, Parker’s injury hurts the Spurs. In the first four games of the series he’s averaged 15.5 points on 48 percent shooting, both numbers down from his regular season averages of 19 points and 50 percent shooting. By tweaking his ankle in Game 4, it showed in the numbers as the All-Star point guard shot 5-of-14 for 10 points, his worst game of the series. Four of those ten points came in the second half as the guard only played 14 minutes total.

As we saw in last years NBA Finals, if Parker is hobbled his impact declines and he becomes a bit of a liability on the defensive side of things. Fortunately for Parker, if Gregg Popovich staggers his minutes properly, Parker can spend majority of his time guarding Jose Calderon, a player who thrives in spot-up shooting, allowing Parker to remain stationary on the ankle.

The Spurs and Mavericks play tonight at 7 P.M. EST.

NBA Playoffs 2014: Tony Parker is day-to-day with sprained ankle

By Trisity Miller | Apr 30, 2014