Tony Parker Could Miss a Month With Strained Calf

Added on Mar 01, 2011 by Scott in

NBA

The injury bug has finally struck the league-leading San Antonio Spurs. Point guard Tony Parker could miss up to a month after suffering a strained calf muscle. Through the first 59 games, Parker is second on the team in scoring at 17.1 points and leads them in assists with 6.6 per game. At 49-10, the Spurs have the NBA’s best record and six more wins than the next closest team.

Parker, a three-time NBA champion and All-Star, has helped lead a resurgent attack this season on a team many roundball pundits assumed was too old to compete in a loaded Western Conference. Parker and backcourt mate Manu Ginobili are responsible for transforming San Antonio from a half-court, defensive unit into a fast-paced offense that ranks sixth in scoring.

Backup George Hill, who filled in capably last season when Parker broke his hand, will take over at the point. Hill is averaging 11.2 points and 2.4 assists in 53 games. Gary Neal, currently recovering from a concussion, will also see increased minutes.

The injury comes at a bad time for San Antonio. The first meeting with Miami is Friday, followed by a Sunday showdown with the Lakers, who they are 2-0 against. Facing two of the league’s most dynamic offenses without Parker manning the point will present a major challenge.

Parker, 28, has averaged 16.7 points, 5.7 assists and 3.1 rebounds in nine seasons. The Spurs went 16-10 last season with him out of the lineup.

Source: ESPN.com