Spurs' Parker out again Monday, joined by Ginobili and Duncan

We don't want to alarm you, but the San Antonio Spurs are resting their veterans on the second night of a back-to-back. We know, right?

The Spurs will visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday without their Big Three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, while Tiago Splitter sits and Patty Mills remains sidelined.

Parker will actually be sitting for the fifth time in six games due to a strained left hamstring. Ginobili is listed as out due to a low back contusion, though there was no indication he was banged up Sunday. Duncan is simply listed as out for rest, the fourth time this season that has been the case. Splitter is taking a rehabilitation day for the right calf that sidelined him earlier in the year.

So the Spurs will look far different than usual Monday. Who starts is a matter of speculation, but Cory Joseph has started whenever Parker has sat and Aron Baynes has been the preferred Duncan fill-in.

The 17-7 Spurs are always careful with their top names, especially those of a more elderly state. Last season, not a single Spur averaged more than 30 minutes a game, with only Kawhi Leonard averaging over 31 so far this season. Parker (32), Ginobili (37) and Duncan (38) have a lot of miles on the tires, and while this strategy may frustrate at times, the Spurs would kindly direct you to count the rings.