Parker changes tune, thinks Pop will play starters against Warriors

Even after playing for Gregg Popovich for his entire 15-year NBA career, Tony Parker can still be surprised by his head coach.

The San Antonio Spurs point guard changed his tune Tuesday, saying that he now expects Popovich to play the Spurs' regulars in games Thursday and Sunday against the Golden State Warriors.

"I think we'll play," Parker said, according to ESPN's Michael C. Wright. "Utah, I thought he was going to rest everybody. But we played Utah, so I don't see any reason we're not playing Golden State ... I guess he changed his mind. Everybody's playing now."

The Spurs beat the Jazz 88-86 Tuesday.

Related: Tim Duncan notches 1,000th career NBA win, all with Spurs

Last week, Parker said he foresaw rest for veterans like himself, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili, and perhaps even younger players like Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge.

The contests against the Warriors may have added significance given that Tuesday's surprise Golden State loss keeps the Spurs only 3.5 games behind the Warriors for first in the West going into Thursday's showdown. While they may not have a realistic shot at catching the Warriors, the two games come with the season series tied at one win apiece.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said last month rest would take precedence over pursuit of the NBA's single-season wins record, something now in jeopardy with the team needing to win all four remaining contests to do so. Forward Draymond Green suggested after Tuesday's defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves that the Warriors are more focused on the postseason at this point.