National Basketball Association

Spurs leave stars at home

Published Apr. 9, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The San Antonio Spurs were without stars Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili as they tried to extend their 11-game winning streak Monday against the Utah Jazz.

The trio stayed behind in San Antonio rather than travel to Salt Lake City. The Spurs (40-14) beat the Jazz 114-104 in San Antonio on Sunday night and already have clinched a playoff spot.

Coach Greg Popovich called the decision a ''no-brainer'' looking at the schedule, with 12 games remaining.

The Jazz also announced backup point guard Earl Watson is out indefinitely to have right knee surgery to repair torn cartilage. C.J. Miles remains out with a strained calf and won't make the three-game road trip starting Wednesday at Houston.

Utah signed NBADL sharp-shooter Blake Ahearn to a 10-day contract Monday.