Tiago Splitter Injury: Updates on Spurs Center's Shoulder and Return

Updates from Saturday, Feb 1

According to Dan McCarney of the San Antonio News Express, Splitter will start tonight;

McCarney previously reported that he was a game-time decision:

Updates from Tuesday, Jan. 28

Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News provides good news on Tiago Splitter's status:

--Original Text--

Just a day after putting together one of his best performances of the NBA season, San Antonio Spurs center Tiago Splitter has been diagnosed with a right shoulder sprain and will miss at least three to five weeks.

John Schuhmann of NBA.com was the first to report the news via Twitter:

The injury was suffered during a game played on Saturday, Jan. 4, against the Los Angeles Clippers. The 6'11" big man put together a huge offensive performance with a season-high 22 points in the 116-92 win for San Antonio.   

Facing off against Blake Griffin, the Clippers' big man only finished with 19 points to Splitter's 22. The Brazilian player is averaging 8.6 points and 6.2 rebounds on the season, but has also been a productive defender for the Spurs. In 30 games, Splitter has started 26 of them and has posted a 55.1 shooting percentage from the field.

Tim Duncan spoke after the game about the loss of Splitter and his interior toughness, Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News reports:

"

It's going to be a big loss for us. Hopefully, we get good news, and it's going to be a minimal amount of time. We'll keep our fingers crossed in that respect. He's been playing great for us all year.

"

Splitter's presence will be missed as the Spurs face a tough schedule over the next few weeks. At home, the Spurs will play the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trailblazers and Oklahoma City Thunder. On the road, games against the Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and Houston Rockets will all be difficult for San Antonio without Splitter.