LaMarcus Aldridge, Boris Diaw out for Spurs preseason game vs. Hawks

By David Kenyon
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LaMarcus Aldridge received his first “Welcome to the San Antonio Spurs” moment when Gregg Popovich recently held the power forward out of practice, and Aldridge is getting No. 2 on Wednesday.

According to the franchise’s official Twitter account, the marquee free-agent signing will sit out the team’s preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks due to back spasms. Boris Diaw also remains sidelined.

INJURY REPORT: Aldridge (back spasms) is listed as doubtful. Boris Diaw (rehabilitation and rest) remains out for tonight’s Spurs-Hawks game

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) October 14, 2015

Aldridge poured in 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds when San Antonio battled the Miami Heat on Monday. It was the first time he played alongside Tim Duncan and Tony Parker.

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Diaw, on the other hand, has missed both preseason outings so far. Before the Miami game, Popovich said Diaw is a little hurt and is out because “he’s French,” per Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News.

Consequent to the absences of Aldridge and Diaw, David West will likely step into the starting lineup. Matt Bonner, Boban Marjanovic and Youssou Ndoye will probably occupy larger roles, and Rasual Butler could jump into minutes as a stretch 4, too.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and NBATV will broadcast the meeting between Popovich and Mike Budenholzer, his former longtime assistant coach.

UPDATE: Bonner will start, per McDonald.

Next: ESPN's Ultimate Franchise: The San Antonio Spurs

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