LaMarcus Aldridge suffered a right ankle injury in Wednesday’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, causing concern among the San Antonio Spurs and their faithful. The Spurs have dealt with injury issues all season — most notably the trail forward Kawhi Leonard has been on in his recovery from right quadriceps tendinopathy.
There is apparently good news on the Aldridge end, however. According to the San Antonio Express-News‘ Tom Orsborn, Aldridge is day-to-day with his injury:
Spurs All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge is merely day-to-day after suffering a sprained right ankle in Wednesday night’s 121-116 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, a league source said Thursday.
It was welcome news for a team that has missed 172 games due to injury this season, including 53 by franchise linchpin Kawhi Leonard.
Aldridge sustained the injury while attempting to block a Rajon Rondo layup with 7:17 left in the first period. The Spurs announced at halftime Aldridge was done for the night after scoring eight points and grabbing three rebounds in 13 minutes.
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“I think it will be fine,” Spurs forward Rudy Gay said of Aldridge’s ankle. “I’m hoping it will be fine. We need our big dog. But he’s a soldier. He will fight (to get back on the court).”
The Spurs did not practice Thursday. They are expected to officially update Aldridge’s status for Saturday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.
Veteran guard Tony Parker said at Thursday’s practice that Aldridge is also dealing with a shoulder ailment. But, according to Parker, Aldridge’s injury is “nothing serious” and the big man could play Saturday night.
In addition to his ankle injury, LaMarcus Aldridge also has a shoulder ailment, according to Tony Parker. But, TP, added that it's "nothing serious" and that he could play against the Lakers on Saturday night. #Spurs
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) March 2, 2018
Leonard, according to reports earlier this week, is back working out with the Spurs and is targeting a return to the lineup sometime in March.
The Spurs host the Lakers tomorrow night (9 ET, NBA League Pass).
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