The biggest problem with the Spurs injuries has been that it's preventing them from getting the rawest players any time. Splitter and Anderson both need real game experience, but have missed a lot of games.

I do not like TP going down because I'm afraid it will force the Spurs to increase starters' minutes. We really don't need Manu and Duncan getting banged up yet again going into the playoffs. This time is also crucial for Anderson if he is going to be a contributor in the playoffs. What if he doesn't get to play because Manu/Neal/Hill have to stay in and carry the load?

Anderson has started to get a lot of minutes the past few games. With Parker out, I think that trend continues.

Anderson and Splitter will be ready for the playoffs. The big thing to worry about is whether the other big names rest up enough to avoid joining Tony on the injury report. I think the vets (Manu, Tim, Jefferson, Dyess) understand that what is most important is saving yourself for the playoffs. Pop knows that too. Don't be surprised when he starts holding Duncan and Manu out of games this month for no reason whatsoever.

One guy I wish would get some more time is Novak. Seems like he is the type of player they need (3 ball shooter), but he hasn't gotten a decent look yet. We already know what we're getting from Anderson & Splitter.

I don't see Splitter getting any time in the playoffs, even if they play the Lakers. Dice, Blair, Matty, and Tim will get all of the minutes.

Some good news regarding injuries.
Neal and Splitter have been cleared to play tonight, It's up to Pop if he plays them, and here is a tidbit on Parker that was nice to hear...

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Buck Harvey: Popovich ready for what he saw coming

About six weeks ago, asked yet again to explain the Spurs’ remarkable record, Gregg Popovich came up with another answer.

Maybe the other teams are the lucky ones, not the Spurs. “They’ve got (injuries) now,” Popovich said then. “And maybe we’re going to get it on April 2 or March 15.”

He was wrong, but only by a few weeks.

That’s Popovich. He’s always thought there’s nothing worse than a 20-point lead in the second quarter, because the game is never that easy. He waits for bad news, as if it’s written somewhere on the schedule, and this approach is an advantage for the Spurs as they go forward for a while without Tony Parker.

Their coach works well with NBA reality.

Popovich might not have to work without Parker for long. The Spurs’ official release put his return at two-to-four weeks, but those within the franchise think it might be under two.

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One guy I wish would get some more time is Novak.

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Me, too. His defense is suspect but some quick hit 3's are always welcome.

after one half in Memphis, they are already missing Parker...

Hill looks like a scrub tonight. He has done nothing but turn the ball over and gone MIA on both ends of the floor. Chris Quinn even looked better than Hill in the first half.

On the positive side, Splitter looked fantastic out there and Duncan is playing lights out.

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Parker's injury will have minimal effect

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Still think so?

The Spurs are not winning 70 games. Even if they could they don't want to if the #1 seed is already clinched. They are a title focused team with championship experienced leaders. Would you rather lose some games now or go into sleep mode the last 2 weeks of the season and risk losing momentum? What is there to prove by being full strength against the Lakers/Heat in March? The Spurs know what's important in the regular season. I still think this has minimal effect on the playoffs. Plenty of time to get Parker back and build momentum without falling behind.

[This message has been edited by InternetFan02 (edited 3/2/2011 8:15a).]

The only Spur that scored in double digits against ****ing Memphis was Gary Neal.

Why wouldn't you admit that losing the Spurs point guard hurts the Spurs?

Because they have an 8 game lead on the Lakers, a 5 game lead on the overachieving Mavs and in 6 weeks no one will care that they lost a few extra games while letting George Hill get some prime experience.

Cool they can give people experience. But not having their all-star point guard hurts them, doesn't it? /smh

That 5 game lead could disappear pretty quick. The Mavs aren't letting up.

So you don't think the Spurs can overcome losing their PG for 2-4 weeks and return to full strength for the playoffs? I don't give a **** if they are hurting right now and lose a few games. Injuries happen to every team and the Spurs have had by far the least amount amongst the contenders.

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So you don't think the Spurs can overcome losing their PG for 2-4 weeks and return to full strength for the playoffs?

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You said Parker's injury will have minimal effect. That's asinine.

What impact did it have last year?

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So you don't think the Spurs can overcome losing their PG for 2-4 weeks and return to full strength for the playoffs? I don't give a **** if they are hurting right now and lose a few games. Injuries happen to every team and the Spurs have had by far the least amount amongst the contenders.

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How do these two points even relate to the current argument?

The Spurs lead in the loss column right now is 5 games over the Mavs. If they can suffer one of their worst losses of the year to Memphis after Parker goes down, it isn't insane to think they could also lose games to Miami (2x), LA and Dallas. That makes it a single-game race.

Dallas is not playing "over their heads". They've played this way all year long with Dirk in the lineup. And the rest of the league is top-heavy this year. In previous Spurs championship years there were not really any other "elite" teams to contend with, other than the Lakers in '04. This year, Boston, Miami, Chicago, LA and Dallas all could be very, very tough teams to beat. More than ever, the Spurs need HC, and that is in jeopardy with Parker's injury.