HoopsHype.com Rumors

Rusty Simmons: San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said Tiago Splitter will play, but the center won't start. Same lineup as Game 1. Twitter @Rusty_SFChron

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries 

Jeff McDonald: Splitter has not practiced since spraining the ankle in Game 3 vs. LA. Has only done one-on-one work. Admits conditioning could be issue. Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries 

After missing Game 1 with a sprained left ankle suffered in the Lakers series, center Tiago Splitter is considered a game-time decision tonight. San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries 

David Aldridge: Tiago Splitter (ankle) out for Spurs tonight. Boris Diaw will start in his place in first appearance since back surgery to remove cyst. Twitter @daldridgetnt

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries, Boris Diaw 

Jeff McDonald: Spurs call Boris Diaw probable for Game 1. Tiago Splitter considered a game-time decision. Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries, Boris Diaw 

Jeff McDonald: Pop said today he doesn't anticipate Tiago Splitter will practice before Monday. So I'd say that makes him very iffy for Game 1. Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries 

Jeff McDonald: Pop said Boris Diaw went through entire practice today. Sounds like he'll be available for start of Round 2. Splitter still uncertain. Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries, Boris Diaw 

Jeff McDonald: Tiago Splitter just walked into Staples Center. No longer on crutches, so that's something. Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries 

Unofficially, the team’s medical staff estimates it could be a week to 10 days for Splitter to return, a timetable that would make him available for most if not all of the second round. “He’s been really special for us,” Popovich said before Saturday’s practice at a gym in Santa Monica, Calif. “Hopefully, we can get him back as soon as possible. Somebody else will have to step in and guard their big guys.” San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries 

Coach Gregg Popovich says starting center Tiago Splitter is out indefinitely after spraining his left ankle late in the third quarter of the Spurs’ 120-89 Game 3 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. Unofficially, the team’s medical staff estimates it could be a week to 10 days for Splitter to return, a timetable that would make him available for most if not all of the second round. “He’s been really special for us,” Popovich said before Saturday’s practice at a gym in Santa Monica, Calif. “Hopefully, we can get him back as soon as possible. Somebody else will have to step in and guard their big guys.” San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries 

Jeff McDonald: Splitter out indefinitely with ankle sprain, Pop says. Could return for Round 2. Twitter @JMcDonald_SAEN

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries 

Starting power forward Tiago Splitter is expected to miss 7-10 days with a sprained left ankle, according to a Twitter post by Express-News columnist Buck Harvey. San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Injuries 

In an interview with Brazilian site Estado.com, Splitter opened up about his successful season, the NBA title, his impending free agency and more. Splitter is in his final contract year and will be a free agent after this season. With his improved performance, he can expect a nice pay day from the Spurs or any other team that wants to add him to their roster. But he will be weighing his options until the end of the season. I spoke to my agent that I wanted to take a break, and not think about it during the season, and wait for the end of the season to see what are my options, what's best for me. But surely, I am very well here in San Antonio. I will look at all of my options. ProjectSpurs.com

San Antonio Spurs, Free Agency, Tiago Splitter 

David Pejenaute: Tiago Splitter's excellent play with the Spurs makes the Real Madrid option very unlikely. Real Madrid has seriously courted Splitter. Twitter @DPeje

San Antonio Spurs, Free Agency, Tiago Splitter, Real Madrid 

Early in the season, some touted him as a possible Sixth Man of the Year. But now, after 27 consecutive starts, Splitter has emerged as a candidate for Most Improved. In a quiet corner of the gym, I ask Splitter how that has happened. “I think it’s a little bit of everything,” Splitter says softly. “Understanding the system better. Being here with Pop longer. Having more confidence with him. Getting more minutes and experience on the court.” NBA.com

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter 

The difference between this season and the last two? Splitter uses an illustration to explain. After arriving from Europe, Splitter felt like an occupant in a stranger’s house. A little tight. Seldom relaxed. After two seasons adjusting, Splitter feels like he’s back in Spain. In familiar surroundings. Comfortable. “Like when you are in your own house,” he says. In Splitter’s house, there is a new addition. His name is Benjamin, he is 7-months-old and he attends all of daddy’s games with his mother, Amaia, Tiago’s wife. “It’s been a great experience,” Splitter says, “maybe the best thing that’s happened in my life.” If dad is feeling more settled at home with Amaia and Benjamin, it certainly isn’t hurting him on the court. The Spurs, though bruised and banged up, remain one of the league’s elite teams. Splitter’s emergence is one reason why. “It’s been my best season in the NBA,” he says. “I know I’m not an All-Star kind of player right now. I just want to keep winning and help this team win a ring.” NBA.com

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter 

Spurs big man Tiago Splitter is having his best NBA season so far. It's all about staying injury-free, says Gregg Popovich. HoopsHype

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Gregg Popovich 

Gregg Popovich: "There's been no progression with Splitter. People have asked me that before - how did he get like this, what did he do during the summer... This is who he is. He's just been hurt most of the time he's been with us. This is the first time he's gotten consistent minutes. What you're seeing doing now is what he's been doing in Europe for years and years. He's played in championship teams with great coaches over there. This is what he does." HoopsHype

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Gregg Popovich 

Tiago Splitter: "It's all good when you have the confidence, when your teammates trust you.. I'm good and I hope to keep it like that." HoopsHype

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter 

Manu Ginobili on Splitter: "It's not that he's improved. He's just used to the league. Different system, different way of calling fouls, defenders... Before he was a great player, and now Pop trusts thim, he understands the game, he can pass, he can finish... He's been a great addition to the team the last two years." HoopsHype

San Antonio Spurs, Tiago Splitter, Manu Ginobili