Jeff Ayres will make the first start of his career Tuesday against the Raptors, the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Ayres will make the first start of his career Tuesday against the Raptors, the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Analysis:

This is vintage coach Gregg Popovich, who likes to mix in strange spot starters on occasion, and with Tiago Splitter (calf) out, Ayres will get the surprise start over Boris Diaw, who has been better off the bench this season. It's unlikely that Ayres will play enough minutes, despite starting, to compile useful numbers in most formats.