Spurs without Belinelli and Splitter on Friday

The San Antonio Spurs aren't off to the best of starts this season, and they can probably point to their overall health as a key reason.

Standing at 4-3, the Spurs have sacrificed one win for rest and played a handful of games without Marco Belinelli and Tiago Splitter. Patty Mills has yet to play as well, and isn't expected back for some time. While the Los Angeles Lakers don't necessarily represent a formidable opponent, the Spurs depth will be tested once again on Friday, as all three of those players are out of action.

This will mark for fifth consecutive game Belinelli has missed due to a strained right groin, an absence that's opened up some additional time for Cory Joseph, who has acquitted himself well.

Splitter's absence has been felt more. The Brazilian center has appeared in just one game due to a calf issue that may be related to his back. His minutes have been spread to Matt Bonner and Aron Baynes, with the former starting but the latter making more of the opportunity.

The Spurs have the depth to make it through these injuries, but the lingering nature of Splitter's ailment, in particular, is of some concern.