Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard out vs. Knicks

The Spurs have done a remarkably good job of competing without their top players.

This season, they’re 2-1 without Tony Parker, 1-1 without Tim Duncan, 1-1 without Manu Ginobili and 1-0 without Kawhi Leonard. But, to some extent, those games have been staggered.

Against the Knicks tonight, Gregg Popovich will test San Antonio’s resolve without all four of its most prominent players.

Spurs release:

Manu Ginobili (rest), Kawhi Leonard (bruised right hand) and Tony Parker (mild strain, left hamstring) are out for tonight’s game vs. New York.

Injury Update: Tim Duncan (rest) will not play tonight. #SAvsNYK

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 11, 2014

It’s always difficult to determine the true severity of the Spurs’ injuries, because Popovich is so liberal about resting his players. Duncan, Ginobili and Leonard all played against the Jazz last night if that tells you anything. Parker is missing his third straight game, making his ailment a bigger concern.

With Carmelo Anthony also out, this game – featuring the NBA’s most successful team of the previous 15 years and the league’s largest market – will feature a dramatic lack of productive talent. Expect Boris Diaw or some other Spur to have a huge night, because that’s what they do.