SAN ANTONIO – For once, the number of key players unavailable for New Orleans won’t be far greater than its opponent. A few hours before tip-off Saturday, San Antonio announced that it will rest the veteran backcourt duo of Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, two players who’ve done serious damage to New Orleans since the Pelicans joined the Southwest Division in 2004-05. Ginobili and Parker will join Spurs shooting guard Danny Green in street clothes, with the three-point marksman sidelined due to a left quad strain.
The Pelicans (0-2) are still missing starting point guard Jrue Holiday (personal), versatile guard Tyreke Evans and two-way forward Quincy Pondexter, with the latter two injured and not expected back for at least a few weeks.