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

Big man Tiago Splitter left the San Antonio Spurs' April 3 game against the Denver Nuggets with a calf injury and would be unable to return. He missed the final six games of the season but would return against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of the playoffs.

Continue for updates.

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Splitter to Play vs. Clippers in Game 1

Sunday, April 19

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich confirmed that Splitter would play Sunday night against the Clippers, per Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated.

Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported on April 17 that Splitter went through a light practice Friday and would be a game-time decision for Sunday.

On April 5, Popovich said, "It's not real serious, but he'll be out a while," per Dan McCarney of the San Antonio Express-News. McCarney also notes that Popovich thought Splitter would sit at least through the Houston home-and-home at the end of the regular season.

On April 3, Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News reported that Splitter suffered a right calf injury against the Nuggets. He played six minutes, scoring seven points and grabbing two rebounds before exiting.

The Spurs' chances in the playoffs obviously hinge largely on the performances of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard. However, they'll also need Splitter's presence inside if they hope to make a deep run.

The 30-year-old was averaging 14.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks before suffering his injury.