NBA: Tony Parker suffers hamstring strain but may still play in Game Four of finals
Tony Parker is hopeful he will be able to play in Game Four of the NBA Finals after suffering a hamstring strain.
Last Updated: 17/06/13 1:55am
Parker limped out of his side's 113-77 thrashing of the Miami Heat in Game Three and had to wait for the results of an MRI scan to find out the extent of the injury.
A tear would likely have ruled him out of the rest of the seven-game series, but the scan revealed only a mild strain of the muscle.
Parker, who leads the Spurs in points per game and assists per game so far during the play-offs, did not take part in San Antonio's open practice session on Wednesday and his status is listed as day-to-day.
"I was just hoping it was not a tear. The good news is it's not a tear or a defect. So that's the good news. Now I just have to see how I feel tomorrow (Thursday)," Parker said.
He added: "We'll see how it goes tomorrow. We'll talk with Pop (Spurs coach Gregg Popovich). I know Pop is always going to prefer to take low risk."
Miami are now 2-1 down in the series and, with the next two games taking place at San Antonio's AT&T Center, the NBA's top-ranked team in the regular season are no longer favourites to win.
League MVP LeBron James made only seven of his 21 shots in Game Three, finishing with a below average stat line of 15 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
The star forward has promised to put in a better performance on Thursday night as the defending champions attempt to bounce back from their worst post-season loss in franchise history.
"As dark as it was (Tuesday) night, it can't get no darker than that, especially for me," James said.
"So I guarantee I'll be better for (Game Four) for sure. I have to do whatever it takes. I mean, 7-for-21 isn't going to cut it."
NBA Finals live: Miami Heat @ San Antonio Spurs, Sky Sports 1 HD, 2am Friday morning.