Duncan to sit for 3rd time in 4 games Wednesday vs. Rockets

Tim Duncan will not play Wednesday when the San Antonio Spurs host the Houston Rockets, his second straight game sidelined with right knee soreness.

The 39-year-old missed Monday night's drubbing at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. He also sat out last Thursday's game against the Phoenix Suns. The reasons for Duncan's DNPs this season have alternated between "rest" and "knee," according to the Spurs - hardly surprising for a 6-foot-11, 19-year veteran.

Duncan has so far played in 37 of 45 games, averaging 25.9 minutes. The Spurs have carefully managed his floor time the last few years, and he has never missed more than 16 contests in a season. While his scoring and rebounding numbers are down to career lows, he continues to lead the NBA in defensive real plus-minus, according to ESPN.