The San Antonio Spurs are limping into the playoffs. Boris Diaw suffered back spasms, Kawhi Leonard has dealt with knee issues, Manu Ginobili is out until the playoffs with a hamstring injury and the list goes on-and-on.
Tony Parker is no stranger to a few bumps and bruises late in the season. He has injured his left ankle, finger and neck and is questionable for tomorrow's game versus the Nuggets.
During his radio show, Parker spoke about his injuries (via French Site RMC Sport) and says while he will be 100% heading into the playoffs, he does admit he is finding it hard to fully recover from the ankle injury.
"I have nothing serious, just several small injuries that have accumulated. The most important thing is to rest under the best conditions. That said, I find it hard to recover from my ankle injury because I have a bruise on my bone. Furthermore, I am dealing with my knee, neck and I have a sprained finger. My neck is a little blocked."
"But it's nothing serious. I just need a little rest. But whatever happens, I'll be 100% and ready for the playoffs. If all goes well, I'll play Wednesday against Denver."
With Parker's laundry list of nagging injuries, it begs the question: Should the Spurs shut him down for the remaining games of the regular season? It also begs another question: If he isn't fully recovered from the ankle injury, then why is he playing in the first place with the playoffs looming?
The knee, and ankle injuries are the most concerning. The Spurs go as far as Parker goes and he needs to be fully healthy comes playoff time.
The Spurs currently hold a one-game lead over the Thunder for the top spot in the West and letting Parker sit until playoffs might cost the Spurs home-court advantage over OKC.
Regardless, health of the team should be the top priority over playoff seeding. What good is it if TP comes back not at full strength only to see him get injured or re-injure himself when it matters most?
