AT&T CENTER – Prior to the San Antonio Spurs’ home opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Spurs announced point guard Tony Parker and shooting guard Manu Ginobili would be resting against the Pelicans Saturday, since San Antonio is on the first night of a back-to-back set.
With Parker resting, Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich announced Patty Mills would start at point guard against the Pelicans, but he did not disclose how the rest of the point guard rotation would fill out. Two names (or both) who might see some playing time with Parker are out are point guards Nicolas Laprovittola and Dejounte Murray.
When asked how to game plan for Pelicans star Anthony Davis, Popovich said, “You just do what you do, hope it works.”
On the other end of the arena, Pelicans Head Coach Alvin Gentry had this to say about Spurs All-Start Kawhi Leonard:
“He’s a great player,” said Gentry. “He’s going to be in the MVP talk from day one and he’s not done anything to make us think he won’t be there the whole year, when you look at the stats that he’s put up.”
After facing the Pelicans Saturday, the Spurs will fly to Miami to play the Heat on Sunday at 5 PM CST. Popovich said he didn’t anticipate resting anyone for Sunday’s game.
