LaMarcus Aldridge Injury: Updates on Spurs Star's Back and Return

San Antonio Spurs All-Star power forward LaMarcus Aldridge has been ruled out of Wednesday's preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks with back spasms.

Continue for updates.

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Aldridge Won't Play vs. Hawks

Wednesday, Oct. 14

Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News reported that Aldridge will sit out because of back spasms. The Spurs had already listed their prized free-agent acquisition as doubtful for Wednesday's contest, and it's best to err on the side of caution since the 2015-16 season hasn't begun.

The Spurs' frontcourt depth will be tested now that Aldridge and Boris Diaw have both been declared out of the lineup.    

Longtime franchise cornerstone Tim Duncan is capable of sliding over and filling in at the 4 until Aldridge returns. Another alternative is simply playing David West more. West is a past All-Star who can step up and take on additional minutes.

The question is who will function best as center while Aldridge is sidelined. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is brilliant at making his personnel work no matter who's on the floor, so he is as fit as anyone to deal with this situation.   

Perhaps San Antonio will play small ball and deploy Duncan at the 5—or it could get a better look at massive 7'3" center Boban Marjanovic. That may be the best route to go, particularly since it's the preseason.

One positive about Aldridge is that he's extremely tough, evidenced by how he put off thumb surgery last season in Portland as the Trail Blazers competed for a playoff spot. If his history serves as any indication, Aldridge won't be out for too long.