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Spurs' Popovich now says Parker in pain but 'it's not going to be a very long time'

Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Vague timelines are tricky business when it comes to injuries.

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich has done his best to keep the world abreast of the status of injured point guard Tony Parker, but it's difficult to get a firm handle on how long Parker may be sidelined. 

He missed three games in early December, returned for one, missed five, returned for two and has now missed two more - with a third coming Tuesday - all because of a strained left hamstring. Popovich had said last week that Parker would be out for a while, but he sounded more optimistic Sunday following an MRI:

He saw the doctor with the MRI, and it’s basically going to be his confidence level, how he feels in a couple of workouts. But so far, the MRI looks good, but he’s got some (swelling) in there. It’s very painful. We’ll just see how his body works through that. But it’s not going to be a very long time. These four days (off) were very important for him.

So, what's the difference between a while and not a very long time? Who knows? All that's really clear is that Parker remains in pain but nothing is structurally wrong, and he's out until he's not. Clear? Clear.

In 21 games, Parker is averaging 16.2 points and 5.2 assists while shooting 51.5 percent from the floor. The Spurs have struggled some without him, but his absence has afforded fourth-year guard Cory Joseph to really shine. Joseph has emerged as a solid two-way player and is averaging 9.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and three assists, numbers that respectively jump to 12.6, 4.8 and four in 11 starts.

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