The six-game, so-called “rodeo trip” that has the San Antonio Spurs away from the AT&T Center from Feb. 3 until Feb. 28 got a little more challenging with word that All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge will be out until after the All-Star break.
Initially, the Spurs planned to be without Aldridge for tonight’s game against the Utah Jazz (9 ET, NBA League Pass). That changed this afternoon as the Spurs said Aldridge will rest to receive treatment on his left knee. Here’s more from the San Antonio Express-News:
Aldridge will not play in either of the Spurs’ final two games leading into the break, tonight in Utah or Tuesday at Denver.
The All-Star forward has returned to San Antonio to undergo what the team says is routine treatment on his chronically sore right knee.
“He’s just getting a treatment on his knee,” coach Gregg Popovich said after morning shootaround in Salt Lake City. “There’s a certain amount of rest that has to happen. He’s doing it now so he won’t have to miss any games after the break.”
The treatment is considered routine maintenance on the 32-year-old’s right knee, which flares up sporadically. Rest is required after the procedure, and Aldridge had to choose when he wished to be sidelined.
The injury is not expected to keep Aldridge out of Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game.
I guess so we're clear: It doesn't sound like this is going to affect Aldridge's involvement in the All-Star game, which is not exactly grueling work. https://t.co/ct3sJ2TJLY
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) February 12, 2018
There was some good news on the horizon for the Spurs, though. According to the San Antonio Express-News, point guards Dejounte Murray (ankle) and Tony Parker (back) took part in shootaround after missing Saturday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors. The pair are likely to play tonight, but final word will come after pre-game warmups.
The Spurs, 1-1 so far on the extended road trip, face the Jazz and the Nuggets in a back-to-back test Monday and Tuesday. After nine days off for the All-Star break, they play at Denver again on Feb. 23 before traveling to Cleveland to face the new-look Cavaliers on Feb. 25.
