Spurs' Parker could miss extended time with thigh injury

The San Antonio Spurs could be without starting point guard Tony Parker for an extended period after he aggravated a left thigh contusion in the third quarter Monday against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Parker, who'd just returned to the lineup after missing two games with the injury, took a knee to the thigh from Bucks point guard Matthew Dellavedova while driving for a layup.

Parker crumpled to the floor in pain. He eventually hobbled off under his own power, but spent the rest of the game on the bench. He finished with six points and five assists in 18 minutes.

"Just no luck," Parker told reporters after the game, according to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News. "I got hit in the same spot. Hopefully, I'll do some treatment and feel better tomorrow."

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich also told reporters he expects Parker to be out a while, according to McDonald.

It's been a tough start to the season for Parker, who's posting the lowest per-game and efficiency numbers since his rookie year a decade-and-a-half ago, and being outshined by backup Patty Mills. The 34-year-old also missed three games earlier this season due to a hyperextended right knee.

In 14 games, Parker's averaging 9.4 points and 4.4 rebounds, with 50.5 percent true shooting and a career-low 11.6 PER.