Tim Duncan’s Return In Doubt

Added on Mar 23, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

The MRI on Tim Duncan’s sprained left ankle came out okay, but the Spurs forward is on crutches with his return in doubt. He will be reevaluated later this week, but will miss the next three games for sure. Duncan injured the ankle in Monday night’s victory over Golden State after landing awkwardly. Once the swelling subsides, team doctors will be able to determine when he can resume playing.

At 34, Duncan is averaging 13.3 points and 9 rebounds, both career lows. Despite being the Spurs third option, behind guards Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, his size and experience has been critical to the team’s potentially record-breaking season.

San Antonio owns the league’s best record at 57-13. With a dozen games left to play, they hold a 6 1/2 game lead over the Lakers for the number one seed in the Western Conference. However, a difficult schedule won’t do them any favors. The Kings are the only opponent the face with a losing record.

Late season injuries have proven costly to San Antonio’s championship aspirations in recent years, so ensuring Duncan is fully healthy will be a top priority heading into the playoffs.

DeJuan Blair and veteran Antonio McDyess will likely see increased minutes, although head coach Gregg Popovich might turn to rookie seven-footer Tiago Splitter, who has racked 18 points and 20 rebounds in his last two games.

Source: ESPN.com