Parker expects to be ready for Spurs’ next game

Thanks to the San Antonio Spurs’ quick series win in the Western Conference semifinals, injured guard Tony Parker is confident he will be ready for Game 1 of the conference finals.

Parker experienced left hamstring tightness Wednesday during the Spurs’ 104-82 win over the Portland Trail Blazers that clinched the series in five games.

Parker sent an injury update to the San Antonio Express-News via text message Thursday, comparing his latest ailment to a right hamstring injury he sustained last year during the NBA Finals.

“It’s OK; not too bad,” Parker said. “Not as bad as the NBA Finals. NBA Finals was a Grade 2. This one is Grade 1. So should be fine for Monday.”

The Spurs would play Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Monday should the Oklahoma City Thunder win their series against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 6 on Thursday. If the Clippers force a seventh game, San Antonio would be off until playing host to Game 1 of the West finals Wednesday.

Parker, 31, averaged 23 points and 6.5 assists in the first four games against Portland before leaving Game 5 after 10 scoreless minutes.

Overall in the postseason, Parker is averaging 19.3 points and 4.9 assists. In the regular season, he produced 16.7 points and 5.7 assists per game.

Last season in the NBA Finals, Parker was hampered the hamstring ailment and he struggled with his shooting as the Miami Heat rallied to beat the Spurs.