Spurs' rookie guard George Hill injured his thumb in preseason play last week and has missed the team's last few contests.

"My reaction was to stay humbled and focused," Hill said. "Any player is going to get mad if he doesn't get to play because that's how competitive I am. I always want to be out there."

Hill is expected to undergo an MRI on the thumb Monday, according to coach Gregg Popovich, now that the swelling has reduced.

Popovich, who isn't easily impressed, has liked what he's seen from Hill thus far.

"I've been impressed," Popovich said. "More than anything, he's obviously an absolute NBA defender. He does a great job defensively. He's got a knack for steals, deflections, getting a piece of the ball here and there. He really understands that side of the court. Secondly, I'm really impressed with his mental toughness; he's not intimated by anything. He's got a great demeanor about him."