The injury to Tim Duncan should afford Spurs rookie Tiago Splitter the chance he’s been awaiting all season.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich could start the 6-foot-11 Splitter in Duncan’s place, as he did Saturday against Charlotte, when the perennial All-Star was given a routine night off. Or Popovich could return to DeJuan Blair, who started the first 63 games.

Either way, Splitter is set to face a stretch that, for better or ill, could define his rookie season.

If Splitter can earn Popovich’s faith now, perhaps he will be ready to make a contribution once the playoffs roll around.