Tiago Splitter Doubtful for Game 2

[timvp]

But not ruled out.

Good news, IMO :tu

[justinandimcool]

better to shut him down til the second round and give him a full week's rest, tbh.

fantastic news though.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Great news

[NASpurs]

The Turd Towers scare me as a second group so that worries me but I think the Spurs can handle the front line of the Jazz without Splitter.

[hater]

'Popeye' Wynn: Hey Sarge, you think this is a ticket home?
Carwood Lipton: [fixing Popeye's wound] Could be.
'Popeye' Wynn: Aw shit, I just got here!

[benefactor]

If he misses this game it will likely be the only one. Makes sense if the Spurs feel like they won't need him to win. If it's the same type of thing I dealt with(sounds like it's pretty similar) then the worst of the initial discomfort only last a couple days. After that it still hurts but more in an annoying way than a debilitating way. I'd be shocked if he wasn't playing in game 3 on Saturday.

[Mugen]

Great news. I actually think he plays in Game 2 now. Probably still sore from yesterday and my guess is that it improves enough to be a Game Time decision by the time Wed. rolls around.

Only thing stopping him would be Pop being too cautious.

[ElNono]

He should play 36 mins Wednesday and test the wrist by banging it non-stop against Al Jefferson's face during the entire game.

IMO

[Harry Callahan]

That's a good result. I would have been shocked if this was a significant injury given what happened.

A bunch of other teams got one game in the playoffs and lost players for the duration, so it could have been much worse.

This is why Stephen Jackson will be so important in this playoffs. He can play good D on bigger players and cause a ton of defensive issues for the opponent when he plays under control.

[coyotes_geek]

"Doubtful for game 2" sounds like Pop-speak for "He's fine, but we're paranoid."

[temujin]

Excellent news in perspective.

[Mel_13]

Good news.

Pop probably keeps him out until he's 100% or the situation in the series dictates his return.

[Dex]

Probably the best diagnosis we could've hoped for. :tu

[redskinfan]

He would probably gain alot of respect from his teammates if he played, he needs to toughen up he gets too many minor injuries that keep him out!

[letmk]

Good news. As we are playing at home and would probably still win without him, I would sit him for game 2.

[Splits]

If he isn't available, I wonder if Pop doesn't start Blair to avoid the dreaded turd towers lineup.

[timvp]

If he isn't available, I wonder if Pop doesn't start Blair to avoid the dreaded turd towers lineup.

Exactly what I was thinking, tbh.

[Mel_13]

If he isn't available, I wonder if Pop doesn't start Blair to avoid the dreaded turd towers lineup.

Pop doesn't anticipate changing starting PF for Game 2. Will stick with Boris Diaw, who played well in Game 1.

http://twitter.com/#!/JMcDonald_SAEN

[rmt]

Best to rest him until the 2nd round. Seems the UTA players see this series as a learning experience and don't have the real belief that they can win. Pop will probably go back to the TD/Blair to start in order to avoid the Bonner/Blair combo. Hopefully the newbies have gotten rid of their nerves and will step up from now on.

[letmk]

He would probably gain alot of respect from his teammates if he played, he needs to toughen up he gets too many minor injuries that keep him out!

It's not like he is in Tim's role and the whole team look up to him for leadership and toughness. As a mature team, the Spurs are and will play hard following Pop and big 3's lead.

Going deep into the playoffs, the Spurs need him to be there on court, rather than his toughness spirit with the team. If I were Pop, I'd rather be safe than sorry. But of course if he is good to go, let him play.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Laaaaaame
Tiago is becoming one of the most polarizing spurs on the roster. And that's saying something.


he's making Manu look like Blair

[DAF86]

Even if it was a serious injury, can't a player play with an injured wrist in his non-shooting hand? Specially a bigman that doesn't make much ball-handling.

[Mel_13]

Everyone realizes that Tiago doesn't get to choose whether he plays or sits?

You do know that?

[ElNono]

Everyone realizes that Tiago doesn't get to choose whether he plays or sits?

You do know that?

Are you blaming Pop?

[easy7]

Best news I seen today.

[Mel_13]

Are you blaming Pop?

Sure

[Mugen]

Everyone realizes that Tiago doesn't get to choose whether he plays or sits?

You do know that?

People keep confusing him with Matty B.

[ajballer4]

It would be better to keep Blair with the turd towers as long as Manu is in the game with them

[Basketball Power]

watch the replay of GM1, he played really good D, I don't give a shit about his scoring, his size alone gave the Jazz bigs a lot of trouble

[Dex]

Everyone realizes that Tiago doesn't get to choose whether he plays or sits?

You do know that?

I hear he has a really low pain threshold.

[Splits]

Pop doesn't anticipate changing starting PF for Game 2. Will stick with Boris Diaw, who played well in Game 1.

http://twitter.com/#!/JMcDonald_SAEN

Heh, so much for that theory.

[redskinfan]

It don't matter if he has a say or not ,he should suck it up and say I am fine this will not affect me, if Manu can play with a broken wing then a sprained wrist should not stop him! Of course Pop will still have last say but he can show everyone on team this won't stop him!!!

[smaka]

so mri showed no torn ligaments? good.

[Manu-20]

some people need to give tiago a break if it was up to him he would probably play wensday but seeing how pop is he will most likely sit tommorow and play sat, no big deal though we can make it one game without him maybe even the series if pop really wants to rest him up.

[Dex]

so mri showed no torn ligaments? good.

Have to assume so. If there was bone or ligament damage, he would be listed as out for Game 2, and probably out for at least the rest of the series.

The fact that he is listed as "Doubtful" indicates it is probably just a sprain, and hopefully not a serious one at that. (Unless they are going all CIA on the injury report like they did with Manu last year.)

If he misses Game 2, that will give him five full days of rest before Game 3, and hopefully he'll be able to recover by then.

[Poolboy5623]

doubtful means he'll play..if he was out he'd be OUT. This wouldnt concern me as much if pop didnt insist on sticking to reg. season rotations...its the PLAYOFFS and the guys have plenty of rest now...I dont get it really. Spurs need to hold home court though!!

[TDMVPDPOY]

i think this will force pop to play small ball or his strongest lineup for most of the game, which i hope he really does...builds more pt together and chemistry between td, diaw, jax, gino, parker...

[rasho8]

doubtful means he'll play..if he was out he'd be OUT. This wouldnt concern me as much if pop didnt insist on sticking to reg. season rotations...its the PLAYOFFS and the guys have plenty of rest now...I dont get it really. Spurs need to hold home court though!!

Uhh.. because we are beating the hell out of everybody with this lineup thats deep as hell? Why are you bitching?

[jag]

Good to hear. Hopefully the rest of his body doesn't fall apart during the Spurs' playoff run.

[z0sa]

I hear he has a really low pain threshold.

:lmao

I agree this implies the injury isn't series. Good news

[Bruno]

Spurs being so careful has a lot to with Jazz being a relatively weak team. I'm convinced Splitter would have played in the second half if it was a game against Thunder or Lakers.

[Nathan89]

Spurs being so careful has a lot to with Jazz being a relatively weak team. I'm convinced Splitter would have played in the second half if it was a game against Thunder or Lakers.

No, it's the pain threshold. You haven't heard?

[Spurtacus]

Relieved that it wasn't a break or ligament damage. Sit him as precaution for Game 2. Spurs need him more on the road.

[Spurs Brazil]

Good news. I think he'll play game 2

[Calispursfan11]

Agree this is good news TIMVP. Missing him one game will not sink us. Hopefully he comes back healthy for game 3 at the latest.

[Sec24Row7]

But not ruled out.

Good news, IMO :tu

Not even a sprain level report?

[jjktkk]

Are you blaming Pop?

Makes its alot easier tbh.

[jjktkk]

People keep confusing him with Matty B.



So all white guys look alike huh?

[jjktkk]

People keep confusing him with Matty B.



So all white basketball players look alike huh?

[tmtcsc]

Damn, Tiago makes Manu look like he's made of steel. What a friggin fragile glass of feathers. He's had more mystery injuries than any Spur in recent history. Really can't count on the dude. That must drive the coaches nuts because when he plays he contributes. Thank goodness we didn't throw tons of money at him.

[Josepatches_]

Lol

Yes,he missed a lot of games this season...25 or 30 games.

Splitter is an injury prone and he has a low pain threshold. We already knew it.

[T Park]

Apparently is wearing a cast...

[Mugen]

Apparently is wearing a cast...

That's a pretty standard move to avoid any further damage.

[Spurs Brazil]

Tiago Splitter’s injured left wrist has been immobilized in a cast, leading Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to consider him doubtful for Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs Wednesday night against Utah.

“I think it’s something we won’t be able to tell until Wednesday,” Popovich said. “I would say he was probably be doubtful.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/04/30/tiago-questionable-for-wednesdays-game/

[z0sa]

A cast? Is this normal for a sprain?

[DBMethos]

Might as well put a cast on his other hand too, to prevent him from spraining it while brushing his teeth.

[Seventyniner]

Hopefully he won't even be needed on Wednesday.

[MannyIsGod]

"Doubtful for game 2" sounds like Pop-speak for "He's fine, but he's a pussy"

[MannyIsGod]

If he isn't available, I wonder if Pop doesn't start Blair to avoid the dreaded turd towers lineup.


Exactly what I was thinking, tbh.

No way he starts Diaw again.

Blair will start.

[MannyIsGod]

1) Don't care what McDonald says. I am 100% sure if that Tiago isn't going to play Blair will start.

2) I would be less likely to give Tiago the benefit of the doubt if he had shown the ability in the past to play through these type of nagging injuries. I personally feel that if Tiago wants to play Pop would play him. People here may think that the Spurs think the Jazz can be beat but I'm sure the coaching staff would not take any chances. If Manu was as weak as Tiago is with injuries he'd probably play one week out of the season, TBH.

[siraulo23]

good news

i just hope the spurs can survive another game featuring the Blair Bonner lineup

They did ok in game 1, but you know it's gonna be a disaster at some point if they use it for long periods of time

The sooner Splitter can play, the better

[YoMamaIsCallin]

Blair will start? Why? He cemented his 5th big man status with his performance against Golden State. He walked through the game and was still exhausted in the 4th.

To those dissing tiago: if the wrist is too stiff and sore to even bend, he can't play. You can't play with one hand.

[dbreiden83080]

Good.. He's fine. Shut him down for game 2 and he can play in Utah..

[dbreiden83080]

better to shut him down til the second round and give him a full week's rest, tbh.

fantastic news though.

Then he'll be rusty as hell in a tough series. If he is healthy enough to play.

Play him..

[MannyIsGod]

Blair will start? Why? He cemented his 5th big man status with his performance against Golden State. He walked through the game and was still exhausted in the 4th.

To those dissing tiago: if the wrist is too stiff and sore to even bend, he can't play. You can't play with one hand.

Sorry, but there are players on this team who would not let a sprain keep them out. Duncan, Parker, Manu and others have all played with injuries far worse than a sprained wrist. Tiago doesn't have a track record of playing through, well, anything.

Especially at this point in the season. Everyone is hurt.


Do you think Manu would sit out with a sprained wrist? Do you think Parker would? Do you think Duncan would?

Anyone here think any of those guys would sit out with a sprained wrist?

[DPG21920]

1) Don't care what McDonald says. I am 100% sure if that Tiago isn't going to play Blair will start.

2) I would be less likely to give Tiago the benefit of the doubt if he had shown the ability in the past to play through these type of nagging injuries. I personally feel that if Tiago wants to play Pop would play him. People here may think that the Spurs think the Jazz can be beat but I'm sure the coaching staff would not take any chances. If Manu was as weak as Tiago is with injuries he'd probably play one week out of the season, TBH.

My goodness...come on brah

[z0sa]

Spurs don't need Tiago this series and everyone knows it. No surprise the staff is debating holding him out until he is surely 100% healthy since the Spurs WILL need him in subsequent series.

[MannyIsGod]

My goodness...come on brah

Tiago's got lots of skill but I have to be quite honest when I say that nothing I've seen out of him says grit or tough.

[T Park]

Uh oh, manny tugged on the COT's cape...


Duck and cover.

[Legacy]

Good.. He's fine. Shut him down for game 2 and he can play in Utah..


Agreed.




Thanks for the update, timvp. :tu

[timvp]

I don't know why it's so difficult for some Spurs fans to admit that Splitter is injury-prone. I love him as a player, think he hasn't gotten enough pub for his contributions but the guy gets sidelined with some weak injuries that other players would play through without thinking twice. I doubt Splitter wants to be more fragile than the average NBA player but it's an unavoidable fact at this point.

Even before the Spurs signed him, I warned about his injury-prone ways in my Splitter preview:
One thing that should be noted is Splitter's injury history. He has had a number of injuries through the years. Though most of the injuries were minor, the fact that Splitter is at least somewhat injury prone should factor into his projections to the NBA level.

http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158008


Some players can play with pain. Some feel they need to sit out even with minor ailments. I don't think any player gets to decide their pain/discomfort threshold, tbh.

Splitter is soft when it comes to injuries. Accept it, be thankful he's so damn good that his strengths still easily outweigh his weaknesses, and move on.

[DPG21920]

He doesn't miss that many games. For as "tough" as Manu is, Manu misses a lot more games seemingly. I'd rather have a softer guy who plays more than a tough guy who misses a lot of crucial time.

[timvp]

I'm blinded by Splitter love.Fair enough.

[MannyIsGod]

Well, Manu is definitely injury prone though. No one is going to argue that he's not. I just can't see Manu sitting out due to a sprain wrist. Can you?

I'm glad we have Tiago, I just wish he was tougher. Its not about rather having something. Its kinda like how I wish Tim Duncan was still 25. :lol

[MannyIsGod]

Fair enough.

:lol

[T Park]

Spurs don't need Tiago this series and everyone knows it. No surprise the staff is debating holding him out until he is surely 100% healthy since the Spurs WILL need him in subsequent series.

They do need him in this series. Him guarding favors allows Bonner to not guard the horrid matchup.

[DPG21920]

Well, Manu is definitely injury prone though. No one is going to argue that he's not. I just can't see Manu sitting out due to a sprain wrist. Can you?

I'm glad we have Tiago, I just wish he was tougher. Its not about rather having something. Its kinda like how I wish Tim Duncan was still 25. :lol

No, I can't see Manu sitting out for a sprained wrist. I just don't see Tiago with the Spurs injuries as much of an issue as others. But variables change so maybe I will see what others see as time goes on.

[Blake]

1) Don't care what McDonald says. I am 100% sure if that Tiago isn't going to play Blair will start.

2) I would be less likely to give Tiago the benefit of the doubt if he had shown the ability in the past to play through these type of nagging injuries. I personally feel that if Tiago wants to play Pop would play him. People here may think that the Spurs think the Jazz can be beat but I'm sure the coaching staff would not take any chances. If Manu was as weak as Tiago is with injuries he'd probably play one week out of the season, TBH.

I think they still go with Diaw starting.

if it's a close game, we might see Tim come close or hit the dreaded 40 minute mark.

Imo

[Legacy]

I don't know why it's so difficult for some Spurs fans to admit that Splitter is injury-prone. I love him as a player, think he hasn't gotten enough pub for his contributions but the guy gets sidelined with some weak injuries that other players would play through without thinking twice. I doubt Splitter wants to be more fragile than the average NBA player but it's an unavoidable fact at this point.

Even before the Spurs signed him, I warned about his injury-prone ways in my Splitter preview:

Some players can play with pain. Some feel they need to sit out even with minor ailments. I don't think any player gets to decide their pain/discomfort threshold, tbh.

Splitter is soft when it comes to injuries. Accept it, be thankful he's so damn good that his strengths still easily outweigh his weaknesses, and move on.



Agreed. Again.




YEESH.


FFS.

[z0sa]

They do need him in this series.

No, they don't. He played all of 7 minutes yesterday and the Spurs won by 15.

[Mugen]

Sigh. Poor Tiago.

http://www.zestra.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Rodney-Dangerfield.jpg

[T Park]

No, they don't. He played all of 7 minutes yesterday and the Spurs won by 15.

Would've been easier and better had splitter played instead of Blair.

[jag]

He doesn't miss that many games. For as "tough" as Manu is, Manu misses a lot more games seemingly. I'd rather have a softer guy who plays more than a tough guy who misses a lot of crucial time.

I'm one of the biggest Tiago fans on ST and I'm completely ok with admitting he's injury prone. He's shown some attitude and toughness during the run of play, but when it comes to injuries it doesn't take much to keep him out. Comparing him to Manu is silly. Manu sits out for much more serious injuries and plays through much more serious injuries. And I do my fair share of clowning on Manu's glass-man bones.

[T Park]

Brno and Tiago have the same pain tolerance. Tiago is lucky he's a very talented 6'11 big man.

[MaNu4Tres]

Splitter is soft when it comes to injuries. Accept it, be thankful he's so damn good that his strengths still easily outweigh his weaknesses, and move on.

What makes him soft when it comes to injuries? How do you know the medical staff and the coaching staff aren't making these decisions to sit him?

It makes sense to sit him and remain cautious bringing him back too soon, so he doesn't have a set back prior to the real battles that start in 2 weeks. Spurs don't need him this Jazz series, just like they didn't need him in the incredible 7 regular season games he missed due to a sprained hamstring and back spasms. Seven irrelevant regular season games out of sixty-six--damn that's a lot. What a pussy!

[T Park]

What makes him soft when it comes to injuries? How do you know the medical staff and the coaching staff aren't making these decisions to sit him?

It makes sense to sit him and remain cautious bringing him back too soon, so he doesn't have a set back prior to the real battles that start in 2 weeks. Spurs don't need him this Jazz series, just like they didn't need him in the incredible 7 regular season games he missed due to a sprained hamstring and back spasms. Seven games out of sixty-six--Damn that's a lot- What a pussy.


That's of resting and sitting are over.

If splitter tells Pop he can play through it, he'll play through it .

[Sausage]

Ric Renner ‏ @RicRenFSSW


Reports that Tiago Splitter is in a cast and is doubtful for G2 with sprained wrist

[rascal]

Send him out there with the cast. He can punch the ball to halfcourt for long rebounds that lead to easy fast break points.

[rascal]

What makes him soft when it comes to injuries? How do you know the medical staff and the coaching staff aren't making these decisions to sit him?

It makes sense to sit him and remain cautious bringing him back too soon, so he doesn't have a set back prior to the real battles that start in 2 weeks. Spurs don't need him this Jazz series, just like they didn't need him in the incredible 7 regular season games he missed due to a sprained hamstring and back spasms. Seven irrelevant regular season games out of sixty-six--damn that's a lot. What a pussy!

How often has he strained a calf? He is soft.

[MaNu4Tres]

That's of resting and sitting are over.

If splitter tells Pop he can play through it, he'll play through it .

If I'm Pop, I realize there's no real need to rush him back while his sprained wrist is still tender. Especially being up 1-0 against this Jazz team. If I'm Pop, I rather sit him a few games to guarantee no set back prior to round 2, when they will NEED him.

If it was totally and exclusively up to Tiago, he'd play. I believe Spurs are playing this smart and looking at the big picture.

[Ginobleed20]

Why start Blair? It makes no sense. Just stick with the starting lineup, Have Diaw and Bonner share minutes, and have Blair play ONLY when Duncan needs to rest.

That's it. Its not very complicated.

[Mugen]

How often has he strained a calf? He is soft.

We are but mere mortals o tough one.

[timvp]

What makes him soft when it comes to injuries?A long history of sitting with ailments that other players typically play through such as bruises, strains, spasms, stomach aches, etc. It started long before he was with the Spurs and is part of the reason why his draft stock was relatively low.

Maybe this wrist injury is legitimately debilitating. Doesn't sound like it ... but maybe. Though that still doesn't change the fact that Splitter is injury-prone.


If it was totally and exclusively up to Tiago, he'd play.How do you know that? I don't ever remember Splitter begging to play and Pop holding him out, fwiw.

[Legacy]

We are but mere mortals o tough one.


:lol

[Mugen]

Man, I wish Pop would have treated the mentally soft players the same way he's treated the "physically soft" players the last couple of years.

Oh wellz.

[letmk]

A long history of sitting with ailments that other players typically play through such as bruises, strains, spasms, stomach aches, etc. It started long before he was with the Spurs and is part of the reason why his draft stock was relatively low.

Maybe this wrist injury is legitimately debilitating. Doesn't sound like it ... but maybe. Though that still doesn't change the fact that Splitter is injury-prone.

How do you know that? I don't ever remember Splitter begging to play and Pop holding him out, fwiw.

I agree with the injury-prone part, but I disagree with the "soft" part. By saying soft, normally we mean that one can physically play through the injury but mentally can not.

Actually I don't know about that either, but my point is that there is not enough evidence to say whether Splitter is "soft" or his body just cannot take the injury. Even team physician and trainer cannot say for 100% sure, let alone us outsiders just reading the news written by "speculating" reporters.

Anyway, I would give Splitter (or any player for that matter) the benefit of the doubt about being soft with injuries until many evidence points to otherwise. We've seen lots of "tragic" cases like Grant Hill playing-hurt for Pistons in NBA.

[daslicer]

It sucks this guy always gets hurt but at least the spurs dodge a bullet with this injury that its not serious and hewill be back eventually. Regardless of whether or not Splitter is soft the spurs will need him if they want to go further then round 2.

[mVp]

That's of resting and sitting are over.

If splitter tells Pop he can play through it, he'll play through it .

This.

It's the playoffs after all, not the time to be soft... Manu played with a broken arm last year, just saying.

[Splits]

1) Don't care what McDonald says. I am 100% sure if that Tiago isn't going to play Blair will start

I would tend to agree but Splitter was hurt in the first half and Diaw started the second

[MaNu4Tres]

A long history of sitting with ailments that other players typically play through such as bruises, strains, spasms, stomach aches, etc. It started long before he was with the Spurs and is part of the reason why his draft stock was relatively low.


Or back problems. :lol stomach aches. The guy has had mostly back problems throughout his career, but the main reason his stock was lower in the 2007 draft was because of the time it would take (years) for him to make the jump to the NBA (pretty sure you knew that already). Even with the back problems in the past, he played through most of it. Explained here: Roundup: Splitter Returning to Form
March 6, 2007
Its official: Tiago Splitter is back. After playing in pain for months, he once again looks like the same old intense, aggressive and active player we always knew. It’s a completely different feeling from what he transmitted just a few weeks ago. His quickness, athletic reactivity, the way he chases after rebounds, his renewed confidence looking for the basket… his body language speaks for itself.

It didn’t make sense. It wasn’t logical that a guy who had always been distinguished by his intensity and activity on court, a hard-working player such as Splitter, suddenly looked so passive and soft. As we have told you here a few times, it was almost certainly a matter of the back problems that apparently seem resolved now.


From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz1tZ9EodFQ
http://www.draftexpress.com


As for him sitting out on the Spurs the past two seasons because of a strained calf, strained hamstring, back spasms, ect., that is mainly on Pop's overly cautious approach in dealing with injuries that occur to his players. Timing is everything with how Pop deals with this.

(Again pretty sure you know all this, but you just refuse to acknowledge it to support your Splitter is soft stance-- i'll continue though)

During the regular season (non-emergency type situations), being as deep as the Spurs are, Pop typically plays things extra safe and makes sure his players get healthy because he favors makings plays that benefit the long run (pretty sure you know that already). Which explains Tiago sitting 7 games this year.

The situation with Tiago's wrist and the Spurs being up 1-0 against the Jazz is a similar to "non-emergency" type situation that occurs in the regular season IMO (mainly because he's a 20 minute per game back up with a team with a lot of depth). Furthermore, because of how much better this Spurs team is over the Jazz, his role simply has little value this round compared to rounds in the future. Why hinder and risk losing that future value by forcing/rushing him back against a much inferior first round foe? They don't need to rush him back game 2 being up 1-0 against this Jazz team. This ain't about Splitter being a pussy or soft like many of you people are implying or wrongfully claim. It's about Pop looking at the big picture and making decisions based on the long-run.


How do you know that? I don't ever remember Splitter begging to play and Pop holding him out, fwiw.

DM's.

[Outlier]

Imagine if he had a bigger role on this time like you guys wanted all season, we would be fucked right now.

[ElNono]

Yeah, I don't buy a lot of the "soft" stuff... Don't forget Manu wanted to play in Game 1 against Memphis last playoffs and Pop sat him out, presumably thinking we didn't need him or "playing it safe" (only Pop knows).

[ElNono]

Imagine if he had a bigger role on this time like you guys wanted all season, we would be fucked right now.

Nah, he would just play.

[TheSkeptic]

I don't know why it's so difficult for some Spurs fans to admit that Splitter is injury-prone. I love him as a player, think he hasn't gotten enough pub for his contributions but the guy gets sidelined with some weak injuries that other players would play through without thinking twice. I doubt Splitter wants to be more fragile than the average NBA player but it's an unavoidable fact at this point.

Even before the Spurs signed him, I warned about his injury-prone ways in my Splitter preview:

Some players can play with pain. Some feel they need to sit out even with minor ailments. I don't think any player gets to decide their pain/discomfort threshold, tbh.

Splitter is soft when it comes to injuries. Accept it, be thankful he's so damn good that his strengths still easily outweigh his weaknesses, and move on.

I can get where you're coming from with the back spasms, but what players have played through a strained calf or hamstring?

Although it's called a "strain" instead of "tear", if I were a coach I would never tell a player to play through a strained muscle. That'd be an irresponsible move at best.

And speaking for myself as a Splitter fan, I reserve the term injury-prone for guys like Bogut, T-Mac, Derrick Rose this year...Tiago's been relatively healthy this season. Even missing less games than I thought he would before the season began. At this point I think the label's unfair.

[Basketball Power]

He's wearing a cast on a sprained wrist? It must be a lot more serious then believed

[benefactor]

:lol cast. Please tell me it's not a hard cast.

Hell...if Splitter would have taken the elbow that Harden took we might be looking at medical retirement.

[crc21209]

Hopefully he's good to go by Saturday for Game 3....

[ohmwrecker]

Laaaaaame
Tiago is becoming one of the most polarizing spurs on the roster. And that's saying something.


he's making Manu look like Blair

This makes no sense whatsoever.

[TD 21]

So basically, he's definitely not playing in game two and I wouldn't put it past them to attempt to avoid using him in game three, if at all possible.

They shouldn't be taking anything for granted. It doesn't matter that they'll probably still win game two anyway. The task becomes that much more difficult and let's face it, anytime a team is on an extended winning streak, they're due to lose anyway. At some point, there's going to come a game where they shoot in the low 40s from the field and the 20s from three.

I don't see the Jazz winning game two, but let's say they find a way to. Then the Spurs have got to win two games in one of the toughest buildings in the league to avoid have to take another flight to Utah and playing another game. That may not mean much now, but down the road it might. They shouldn't increase the chances of that happening because of some minor injury.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

This makes no sense whatsoever.

I meant in terms of durability

[TheSkeptic]

I meant in terms of durability

That still doesn't make sense.

[Yorae]

time to pull out rascal's toughness and make splitter swallow the whole damn thing....

[daslicer]

He's wearing a cast on a sprained wrist? It must be a lot more serious then believed

Its just being worn as precaution to prevent further aggravation. The Lakers did the same thing with Kobe earlier this year when he sprained his wrist.

[100%duncan]

I expect him to be back by game 3.

[TheSkeptic]

I expect him to be back by game 3.

We'll have a better idea by Wednesday. I'm definitely hoping he's back by game 3 as well. Normally I'd be fine with sitting him until game 5 (if it was warranted) but I really don't want him to be rusty heading into the second round. Memphis is no joke and I don't think this is all that serious anyway.

[jestersmash]

So basically, he's definitely not playing in game two and I wouldn't put it past them to attempt to avoid using him in game three, if at all possible.

They shouldn't be taking anything for granted. It doesn't matter that they'll probably still win game two anyway. The task becomes that much more difficult and let's face it, anytime a team is on an extended winning streak, they're due to lose anyway. At some point, there's going to come a game where they shoot in the low 40s from the field and the 20s from three.

I don't see the Jazz winning game two, but let's say they find a way to. Then the Spurs have got to win two games in one of the toughest buildings in the league to avoid have to take another flight to Utah and playing another game. That may not mean much now, but down the road it might. They shouldn't increase the chances of that happening because of some minor injury.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambler%27s_fallacy

Lay-man version of the fallacy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_of_averages

[jhfenton]

I was just rewatching part of yesterday's game. After Tiago's tip-in on the Spurs' last possession of the first quarter, he goes down, braces himself with the right arm, and avoids landing on his left hand. But he pushes himself to his feet with his left hand and arm. That's not the sign of a badly sprained wrist.

[Legacy]

Splitter is probably asking to be scratched from the lineup, upon witnessing Favors packing Old TImmeh's old ass down;

memories of getting dunked on a few weeks ago are still fresh, for poor Tiago.


:lol You are seriously the worst "troll" I've ever witnessed in 'action' on internet history. Gah. Jizz fan is really, really, REALLY just... weird and simply delusional. You should stop embarassing yourself already, child.


Kudos to you for loving your team so much, but do you EVER get out of your mountain-cabin closet much? At all?? You should at least try to. :downspin:

[celldweller]

Splitter is probably asking to be scratched from the lineup, upon witnessing Favors packing Old TImmeh's old ass down;

memories of getting dunked on a few weeks ago are still fresh, for poor Tiago.

:lmao Utah people are funny.

[Legacy]

Could it maybe just maybe be a combination of BOTH? If people don't like the word "soft" -- fine -- whatever word, phrase, etc, etc, that works for you, use it. I guess if I were Tiago, I'd probably be doing a HELLUVA lot more if it was really my decision to make, and weren't for Pop's over-cautiousness? *clasps hand over mouth* ... But then when someone here points anything of the sort out, they are labeled a "Pop Hater."

So what exactly wants to be heard and done here? How can we make it all happen? NOW? At this moment. The situation is as it is, and we won't even know for sure what is really going to happen till Wednesday, like Pop has already stated (unless he has retracted his statement w/in the last few hours).

Sounds like a "damned if we do, damned if we don't scenario" we're complaining about yet again. I think some people just enjoy chasing their damn tails endlessly for some reason. :wtf


smh

[some_user86]

Is this already posted?

Tiago with bone bruise on left wrist...

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/05/01/spurs-notebook-bone-bruise-in-left-wrist-leaves-splitter-doubtful/

[Manu-20]

Is this already posted?

Tiago with bone bruise on left wrist...

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/05/01/spurs-notebook-bone-bruise-in-left-wrist-leaves-splitter-doubtful/
If that's his diagnoses then he probably could play in game 2, but since the opponent were facing is the jazz I would say sit him out and play him game 3 or even game 4 maybe, really good news tbh that this was just a bone bruise and nothing season ending like some other players have had in the playoffs.

[T Park]

If he can go play. It's the playoffs, no rest because it's the jazz. Pound them and eliminate them early, then rest...

[Hooks]

Not really worried tbh, the jazz played as well as they possibly could and the Spurs had a very mediocre game.

[SnakeBoy]

Is this already posted?

Tiago with bone bruise on left wrist...

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/05/01/spurs-notebook-bone-bruise-in-left-wrist-leaves-splitter-doubtful/

I'm guessing Tiago missing a playoff game because of a bruise isn't going to help his reputation. Next round Tiago will miss another game due to an ant bite.

[timvp]

:lol bruised hand

[timvp]

A long history of sitting with ailments that other players typically play through such as bruises, strains, spasms, stomach aches, etc.Guess I shouldn't be surprised. I remember Splitter missing time with a bruised shoulder and a bruised shin in the past. I guess we can add bruised hand to his resume.



Or back problems. :lol stomach aches. The guy has had mostly back problems throughout his careerNah, back problems was only one incident (which I had forgotten about, tbh). He has a laundry list of other ailments.


that is mainly on Pop's overly cautious approach in dealing with injuries that occur to his players.Pop wasn't coaching Splitter in Europe or with the national team when he was befallen by bruises in the past.


(Again pretty sure you know all this, but you just refuse to acknowledge it to support your Splitter is soft stance-- i'll continue though)Tbh, I don't even think it's a stance. Any neutral observer who has followed Splitter over the years would see that the guy misses games with injuries other players wouldn't even report to trainers.

I mean, if Bonner was sitting out a playoff game with a bruised hand, SpursTalk would be calling for his head. It's Splitter so we want to ignore it. Totally understandable, fwiw.

Again, I'm a Splitter fan, think they guy has been fantastic this season ... but I can also admit that no other player on the team would be missing a playoff game with a bruised hand.

[flipspursfan]

I remember timvp posting stats that say a Matt Bonner and Boris Diaw are a good defensive combination. With that said, do you guys think Pop would start Blair again in the next game? Considering that Blair had good games against Millsap, I think that would be a big possibility.

[HarlemHo 37]

I'm guessing Tiago missing a playoff game because of a bruise isn't going to help his reputation. Next round Tiago will miss another game due to an ant bite.

Bonner missed a month due to a bone bruise and you're mocking Tiago?

[PublicOption]

:lol bruised hand


:lol..........and manu played last year with a broken elbow.

[Obstructed_View]

At least he doesn't punch stuff when he's mad...

[timvp]

I remember timvp posting stats that say a Matt Bonner and Boris Diaw are a good defensive combination. With that said, do you guys think Pop would start Blair again in the next game? Considering that Blair had good games against Millsap, I think that would be a big possibility.

That's exactly why I'd start Blair next to Duncan. Blair gets to matchup with Millsap, who he has pretty much owned over the years. Diaw gets to man the middle when Duncan is on the bench, which is much preferred over the Blair/Bonner tandem.

Makes perfect sense. But I'm guessing Pop doesn't want to put Blair back into the starting lineup right after he yanked him out. Plus, he probably wants to grow the chemistry with Diaw and the starters.

Don't agree but I can see Pop's logic.

[flipspursfan]

That's exactly why I'd start Blair next to Duncan. Blair gets to matchup with Millsap, who he has pretty much owned over the years. Diaw gets to man the middle when Duncan is on the bench, which is much preferred over the Blair/Bonner tandem.

Makes perfect sense. But I'm guessing Pop doesn't want to put Blair back into the starting lineup right after he yanked him out. Plus, he probably wants to grow the chemistry with Diaw and the starters.

Don't agree but I can see Pop's logic.

That is true, and I agree with your statement regarding Boris Diaw. But now that would put Pop in position to play his worst defensive big pair in Matt and Blair from the bench. Would that lineup do well against Utah's bench, especially with either Favors or Kanter fronting their lineup? I'm hoping it will, if ever this is the case.

[SA210]

Is this already posted?

Tiago with bone bruise on left wrist...

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/05/01/spurs-notebook-bone-bruise-in-left-wrist-leaves-splitter-doubtful/


This is how you dunk: Spurs captain Tim Duncan never misses an opportunity to rib his teammates, so he wasted little time needling Manu Ginobili about the breakaway dunk he missed in the second quarter of Game 1.


“I think he got a little too excited, taking off a little too far,” Duncan said. “We’ve been killing him ever since.


“I actually enjoyed the fact he missed it more than if he had made it.”
Stephen Jackson, one of three Spurs who shared the team’s 2003 title run with Ginobili, also couldn’t wait to chime in.


“He came over looking at me funny before he even got to the sideline,” Jackson said. “He took off like one step inside the 3-point line, which is too far for both of us, considering our age. He had dunked two times before that, so he was feeling good. I guess he thought his vertical was higher than it really was. “It was a good laugh.”


Ginobili took his ribbing but fired back.
“Jack?” he said. “How many dunks has he had in the past two months? Two?”


:lol

[Mugen]

I mean, if Bonner was sitting out a playoff game with a bruised hand, SpursTalk would be calling for his head.


I'd be jumping for joy, tbh.

[MaNu4Tres]

Some people look ignorant and dumb in this thread, tbh.



http://www.48minutesofhell.com/pregaming-spurs-vs-jazz-game-2



AT&T CENTER — Not a lot in regards of news ahead of this evening’s (more like afternoon’s) Game 2 for the Spurs against the Utah Jazz.
Coach Pop announced before the game that Tiago Splitter “is available” tonight, but didn’t sound like he wanted to play Splitter. Tiago has some sort of brace on that will allow him to play if need be, but Pop thinks Splitter will be in a better position to play this weekend




What I said to the ones who claimed he was a soft pussy. And what I tried to say to those who tried to tell me it was Splitter's decision to play. Maybe one day a few of you guys will respect some of my posts. :toast




If it was totally and exclusively up to Tiago, he'd play. I believe Spurs are playing this smart and looking at the big picture.





As for him sitting out on the Spurs the past two seasons because of a strained calf, strained hamstring, back spasms, ect., that is mainly on Pop's overly cautious approach in dealing with injuries that occur to his players. Timing is everything with how Pop deals with this.

(Again pretty sure you know all this, but you just refuse to acknowledge it to support your Splitter is soft stance-- i'll continue though)

During the regular season (non-emergency type situations), being as deep as the Spurs are, Pop typically plays things extra safe and makes sure his players get healthy because he favors makings plays that benefit the long run (pretty sure you know that already). Which explains Tiago sitting 7 games this year.

The situation with Tiago's wrist and the Spurs being up 1-0 against the Jazz is a similar to "non-emergency" type situation that occurs in the regular season IMO (mainly because he's a 20 minute per game back up with a team with a lot of depth). Furthermore, because of how much better this Spurs team is over the Jazz, his role simply has little value this round compared to rounds in the future. Why hinder and risk losing that future value by forcing/rushing him back against a much inferior first round foe? They don't need to rush him back game 2 being up 1-0 against this Jazz team. This ain't about Splitter being a pussy or soft like many of you people are implying or wrongfully claim. It's about Pop looking at the big picture and making decisions based on the long-run.


Just saying.

[timvp]

^Looks like you're saying I looked dumb in this thread but, IMO, what's transpired only further shows Splitter doesn't handle pain well. He went from a sprained wrist, to a bruised wrist, to now he's working out completely before the game. No other player on the team would have even complained about the original "injury". Especially in the playoffs.

Leaving a playoff game with something less than a bruise does not a warrior make, tbh.

[MaNu4Tres]

^Looks like you're saying I looked dumb in this thread but, IMO, what's transpired only further shows Splitter doesn't handle pain well. He went from a sprained wrist, to a bruised wrist, to now he's working out completely before the game. No other player on the team would have even complained about the original "injury". Especially in the playoffs.

Leaving a playoff game with something less than a bruise does not a warrior make, tbh.

He wants to play. He's ready to play. Pop wants to sit and rest him. That is not on Splitter.

And it's a bone bruise, totally different circumstance than just a bruised wrist, tbh.

[MaNu4Tres]

^Looks like you're saying I looked dumb in this thread but, IMO, what's transpired only further shows Splitter doesn't handle pain well. He went from a sprained wrist, to a bruised wrist, to now he's working out completely before the game. No other player on the team would have even complained about the original "injury". Especially in the playoffs.

Leaving a playoff game with something less than a bruise does not a warrior make, tbh.

And what makes you look dumb in this thread is how you pretty much call Splitter out for being a pussy. That's just flat out ignorance, tbh.

I know you're smarter than that.

[timvp]

How many other players on the team would come out of a playoff game with the same injury?

[TheSkeptic]

At least he doesn't punch stuff when he's mad...

I cannot believe I missed this one.

So glad he's not on our team. :lol

The Knicks, that contract, that money. :lmao

[MaNu4Tres]

How many other players on the team would come out of a playoff game with the same injury?

That was on the medical staff (and factor in the time for the X-Rays and the initial diagnosis), it wasn't Splitter's decision.

Don't forget the "softie" finished out the first half with the injury.

[Spurs Brazil]

Spurs backup forward-center Tiago Splitter is available for tonight’s game against Utah, although Spurs coach Gregg Popovich sounded like he would prefer to keep him out of the lineup if possible for Game 2 tonight against the Jazz.

“He’s available,” Popovich said. “We’ll see how the game goes, but it’s one of those things. It’s a pain thing and it is a ligament deal. The MRI was negative.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/05/02/tiago-available-although-pop-hopes-to-be-able-to-rest-him/

[Slutter McGee]

How many other players on the team would come out of a playoff game with the same injury?

Maybe you have an argument, but I would prefer they at least admit the injury and get it looked at, else it turn into something worse.

Sincerely,

Slutter McGee

[timvp]

And what makes you look dumb in this thread is how you pretty much call Splitter out for being a pussy.

Never said that. All I've said is Splitter has a low pain threshold and have pointed to his long history of missing games with minor injuries as evidence. As I said before the Spurs signed him, his extensive injury history is a reason why his NBA potential may ultimately be limited.

Again, some players are able to play through bumps, bruises, strains, spasms, etc. Other players can't. I think it has more to do with genetics than heart, tbh. So I don't blame Splitter for not being able to play through pain as well as the average NBA player. But to ignore it is just foolish, IMO.

[timvp]

That was on the medical staff, wasn't Splitter's decision.

Tbh, I don't think any other player even tells the medical staff. He got his hand hit when he went up for a layup. That probably happens to Parker, Ginobili and Duncan once a month, fwiw.

[MaNu4Tres]

Never said that. All I've said is Splitter has a low pain threshold and have pointed to his long history of missing games with minor injuries as evidence.

You're right. You never called him a pussy, but you called him soft-- which is essentially the same thing.

Long history of missing games? You don't know why he missed them. As for the Spurs, Pop plays things extra careful, that is why he missed as much time as he did. It wasn't because he's soft, it's because Pop values the long run and rest in his players coming back from injury-- like I've tried to explain already.

[MaNu4Tres]

Tbh, I don't think any other player even tells the medical staff. He got his hand hit when he went up for a layup. That probably happens to Parker, Ginobili and Duncan once a month, fwiw.

The ignorance is strong in this one, tbh.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

^Looks like you're saying I looked dumb in this thread but, IMO, what's transpired only further shows Splitter doesn't handle pain well. He went from a sprained wrist, to a bruised wrist, to now he's working out completely before the game. No other player on the team would have even complained about the original "injury". Especially in the playoffs.

Leaving a playoff game with something less than a bruise does not a warrior make, tbh.

That doesn't say his threshold for pain is low just that the threshold for him saying something about it is low. Your bagging him based on supposition of vague reports. As has been pointed out he didn't pull himself out when it happened. He finished the half.

[timvp]

Long history of missing games? You don't know why he missed them.



I don't? I've followed him closely for a decade now.

[TheSkeptic]

Never said that. All I've said is Splitter has a low pain threshold and have pointed to his long history of missing games with minor injuries as evidence. As I said before the Spurs signed him, his extensive injury history is a reason why his NBA potential may ultimately be limited.

Again, some players are able to play through bumps, bruises, strains, spasms, etc. Other players can't. I think it has more to do with genetics than heart, tbh. So I don't blame Splitter for not being able to play through pain as well as the average NBA player. But to ignore it is just foolish, IMO.

You don't play through muscle strains and Splitter hasn't sat out over bruises and bumps. Spasms you can to a certain extent but it depends on severity. I'll give you the upset stomach although that's something I might not play through if I'm really sick.

Splitter didn't miss that many games this season even while going down with minor injuries. If he's not missing major time or coming down with anything serious I'm not sure what the big deal is tbh.


Tbh, I don't think any other player even tells the medical staff. He got his hand hit when he went up for a layup. That probably happens to Parker, Ginobili and Duncan once a month, fwiw.

A bone bruise is completely different from a simple slap on the wrist tbh...

[MaNu4Tres]

I don't? I've followed him closely for a decade now.

As have I (since 2005). And I've talked to him about his injuries and his playing time the past two years. The guy always wants to be on the court.

You can believe what you want though.

[MaNu4Tres]

That doesn't say his threshold for pain is low just that the threshold for him saying something about it is low. Your bagging him based on supposition of vague reports. As has been pointed out he didn't pull himself out when it happened. He finished the half.

Fuzzy I've tried to explain it too. Ignorance is a hard wall to get through.

[MaNu4Tres]

You don't play through muscle strains and Splitter hasn't sat out over bruises and bumps. Spasms you can to a certain extent but it depends on severity. I'll give you the upset stomach although that's something I might not play through if I'm really sick.

Splitter didn't miss that many games this season even while going down with minor injuries. If he's not missing major time or coming down with anything serious I'm not sure what the big deal is tbh.



A bone bruise is completely different from a simple slap on the wrist tbh...

Skeptic understands.

I honestly think timvp is trolling,tbh.

[DPG21920]

Variables have changed

[Koolaid_Man]

I usually don't judge people on their looks cuz it's not their fault...but gotdam Pop is one ugly rat ass looking muthafcker....real talk

[biskvito]

It's the Stephen A. Smith effect.

[Basketball Power]

So splitter could play today, glad its not serious, will be back for gm3 no question

[Blake]

1) Don't care what McDonald says. I am 100% sure if that Tiago isn't going to play Blair will start.

Good call, tbh. :tu