Rajon Rondo's debut got a little easier, as the Spurs have chosen to rest their two healthy starters after playing two triple overtime games in the past three days.
Tim Duncan played 48 minutes against the Grizzlies and 43 minutes against the Trail Blazers, while Manu Ginobili had played 41 and 30. Tony Parker, Kawhi Leonard and Patty Mills are also out for the Spurs with legitimate injuries.
Spurs: Duncan (rest), Ginobili (rest), Parker (hamstring), Leonard (hand) and of course Mills (shoulder) are all out tonight in Dallas.
— Dan McCarney (@danmccarneySAEN) December 20, 2014
You can't blame the Spurs for this one. That's a lot of minutes to give to a couple of guys in their late 30's, and the Mavericks rested Dirk Nowitzki a couple weeks ago after he played extended minutes in a double overtime game.
But hey, all is fair in love and basketball, and the Mavericks have to take advantage of a depleted rotation -- even while incorporating a new starting point guard. The Spurs rotation probably won't be so far off from this.
Spurs really are going with the @calebjsaenz lineup tonight. pic.twitter.com/Zb5TSjVFVM
— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) December 20, 2014