NBA: Splitter out, Parker benched for Spurs visit to Boston

BOSTON (AFP) - Tony Parker will have an extended rest ahead of Sunday's NBA All-Star Game while Tiago Splitter is sidelined with a bruised right calf as the San Antonio Spurs' injury woes worsen.

Both will miss San Antonio's game on Wednesday at Boston, the Spurs' final matchup before the NBA All-Star Game break.

French point guard Parker, who leads the Spurs with 17.7 points and 6.2 assists a game, will be rested as a precaution after soreness in his lower back over the past week.

Parker returned to San Antonio after the Spurs' 109-100 loss Monday at Detroit but the three-time NBA champion is expected to play as a Western Conference reserve as planned in Sunday's All-Star Game in New Orleans.

Brazilian center Splitter, who averages 8.1 points and 6.3 rebounds a game, has missed the Spurs' past two games as well.

The Spurs, whose record of 37-15 ranks second in the Western Conference and fourth overall in the 30-team league, are also without top reserve Manu Ginobili, the Argentine playmaker who has a sore hamstring, and forward Kawhi Leonard, out with a broken finger.

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