Marco

Belinelli

Belinelli appeared in 57 games for the Spurs last season, averaging 6.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 3-pointers in 15.5 minutes per game. With San Antonio getting considerably younger on the perimeter, it was quite clear that Belinelli would not be back with the team. He’ll be back at the place where his professional career began, as Virtus Bologna signed Belinelli in 2002 when he was just 16 years old.

White limped off the court a few minutes into the third quarter and Marco Belinelli replaced him in the lineup. The Spurs’ playoff odds hang in the balance, so this is likely more than a simple precaution, but the initial diagnosis of a bruise suggests it won’t be a major issue. If White does miss time, Keldon Johnson, Belinelli and Patty Mills will be asked to pick up the slack.

Bryn Forbes (right quad tightness) remains out indefinitely and he was ruled out well in advance of this game. Derrick White also went down tonight with a bruised knee, and if he misses the Spurs’ remaining seeding games we’re likely to see more minutes for Belinelli and Patty Mills (DNP on Sunday).

Belinelli was available to play Wednesday, but he did not see any action in the loss to the Nuggets. Belinelli was back on the floor Friday, chipping in with a couple 3-pointers but not doing enough to enhance his fantasy value.

There’s a chance he plays a handful of minutes but it’s very clear that the Spurs are more interested in getting a long look at Lonnie Walker and Keldon Johnson.

He should be out there, but he’s a non-factor in fantasy hoops.

Coach Gregg Popovich has yet to provide an update on Belinelli but the Spurs are in no rush to get the veteran back. Lonnie Walker and Keldon Johnson will continue to see significant minutes, with or without Belinelli.

Belinelli injured his ankle during Friday’s win over the Kings, leaving the game early in the third quarter and not returning. The Spurs will have at least one veteran guard to call upon off the bench Sunday, as Patty Mills (rest) will rejoin the rotation. Lonnie Walker, who’s already starting, and rookie Keldon Johnson are both worth considering as low-cost DFS options for Sunday.

The Spurs have been super cautious with all their veterans so a DNP is on the cards for Belinelli. The Spurs won’t mind though, as they want to get a long look at Lonnie Walker and Keldon Johnson anyways. Both players eclipsed 30 minutes in their last game and the same could be true Sunday.

Johnson played well when given the opportunity during the Spurs’ scrimmages, and that carried over into Friday’s seeding schedule opener. While he wasn’t as prolific as a scorer, the rookie knocked down a few shots, chipped in on the boards and also had a key assist to DeMar DeRozan that helped seal the win. And with Marco Belinelli leaving the game in the third quarter with a sprained ankle, Johnson may threaten 30 minutes on a consistent basis as the Spurs play out the remainder of their slate in Orlando. He may not be a fantasy option now, but these minutes will help Johnson down the line from a developmental standpoint.