Tony Parker, the engine that runs the San Antonio Spurs' elite offense, will suit up and start despite suffering a strained hamstring in a Game 3 beating of the Miami Heat, according to Yahoo! Sports' Marc Spears.
Parker reportedly tweaked his hamstring in the second quarter of Game 3, gutting out the third quarter before sitting out the majority of the fourth. The Spurs had the game well in hand, which likely played a role in how Parker's feeling today.
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich called Parker "ready to go," and Parker himself said three times that he is ready to play. He has been the Spurs' leading scorer in the postseason, averaging 21 points per game and handing out seven assists. He is also turning the ball over just over twice per game, a very good number for someone handling the ball so much.
Limiting turnovers is especially crucial against the Heat, who have the league's most efficient and ferocious transition game.
Even though Parker is playing, it may be wise to limit his minutes a bit more than normal, to ensure he doesn't worsen his condition. The play of Gary Neal in Game 3 will surely give Popovich more confidence in turning to him for stretches of time.
Neal dropped 24 points on the Heat and shot 60 percent from deep on 10 attempts. Danny Green also shredded Miami from beyond the arc, knocking down 7-of-9 3-pointers. If Parker's hammy holds up, his penetration is likely to create similar problems for the Heat.
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