With a record of 2-5, it’d be dismiss the San Antonio Spurs. However, a closer look indicates that the four-time NBA champions aren’t done just yet. The biggest culprit to their slow start has been injury. Manu Ginobili, the Argentine star shooting guard, has missed the entire season due to ankle surgery. Ginobili, who led the Spurs in scoring last year during the regular season, has been greatly missed because of the energy he brings to the floor on a consistent basis.

Joining Ginobili on the sidelines is point guard Tony Parker. Earlier in the season against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Parker put up 55 points, ten assists and seven rebounds. In the next game, Parker suffered an ankle injury that will force him to miss at least a month of action.

Once their two star guards get healthy, the Spurs should be able to start rolling once again. Tim Duncan, the team’s Hall of Fame power forward, is playing very well – which should bode well for the stretch run. Outside of Duncan, the Spurs are getting good play out of Roger Mason, Jr. and rookie point guard George Hill.

The key for San Antonio right now is to stay within striking distance of the playoffs while the team is shorthanded. With Parker and Ginobili both expected to miss at least another three weeks, the Spurs need to pick up any wins they can in the meantime.

Once Parker and Ginobili return, their two biggest concerns will be continued good health and defense. With the team built around the Big Three of Parker, Ginobili and Duncan, the Spurs simply can’t win without all three players being healthy.

Whether or not the Spurs can once again play the trademark great defense will depend largely on how much gas 37-year-old Bruce Bowen has left in the tank. Bowen, who has gotten off to a slow start this season, is regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in league history. However, he needs to hold Father Time at bay to give the Spurs the defense they require. 

When all is said and done, expect the Spurs to make the playoffs and give it a good run. If they are healthy and their defense is strong, a fifth NBA championship wouldn’t be too surprising.

Tags: basketball, manu ginobili, nba, san antonio spurs, tony parker
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