San Antonio, TX

San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker will be out about four weeks due to grade 2 ankle sprain sustained in a 130-102 victory over the Sacramento Kings Friday.

The injury occurred in the third quarter after Parker completed a transition layup where he landed on Isaiah Thomas' foot.

He left the game with 13 points and seven assists.

Parker has been the best player this season for the Spurs, who have the league's best record at 46-14. He is a long-shot MVP candidate, averaging 21.0 points, 7.6 assists and 3.1 rebounds a game, shooting 53.3% from the field and 37.9% on three-pointers.

In February, Parker averaged 26.1 points, 8.3 assists, four rebounds and shot 54% from the field.

He has carried the Spurs while center Tim Duncan and guard Manu Ginobili have been in and out the lineup with ailments.

"As I've said, he's playing better than any other point guard in the league consistently through the year. We will miss him," said Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.

The injury doesn't jeopardize San Antonio's title chances, but it could certainly impact its seed.

The Spurs are three games clear of the Oklahoma Thunder but just two ahead in the loss column. If Parker misses exactly four weeks, he will miss 13 games, including a potentially major swing game against the Thunder on March 11. There's a chance they could slip as far down as third, as the Clippers are just 3 1/2 games back.

Parker could return on March 30, the day before the Spurs play a home game against the Miami Heat. The contest could play a factor in home-court advantage in a potential finals matchup.

He could also be available when the Spurs play the Thunder a fourth and final time on April 4.

 

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