by Sports Xchange

--F Tim Duncan was a scratch Monday because of swelling in his left ankle. According to a statement released by the Spurs, Duncan underwent an MRI that revealed no structural damage in his left ankle.

Duncan apparently hurt the ankle Thursday at Utah, played on it in Friday's loss at Portland, in which he played a season-high 35 minutes and scored 14 points, and began experiencing swelling afterward.

Duncan played in 75 games last season, but for the majority of the time he struggled with knee pain.

--G George Hill knows this routine. Last season as a rookie he earned respect from his teammates with solid play during while starting point guard Tony Parker missed time with an injury.

Hill's back in the fill-in role again, taking over as the starting point guard while Parker is sidelined with an ankle injury.

"I can't say I'm happy because we need Tony," Hill said. "But I'm always going to be prepared."

Hill came through with another impressive performance Monday, scoring 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting in the win over Toronto.

Hill played 36 minutes and added five assists and a steal.

--G Keith Bogans has suddenly become a starter for his new team. After playing just 26 minutes total in the Spurs' first four games, Bogans was inserted into the starting lineup in Portland and was again among the starting five Monday against Toronto.

The idea from coach Gregg Popovich was to get more defense on the floor after giving up 113 points in a loss at Utah.

"I'm pretty sure I was put out there for defense, not offense," Bogans said. "We've got enough offensive guys."

Still, Bogans provided points with nine on 2-of-3 shooting, and he made all four of his free throws Monday.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--G Tony Parker (sprained left ankle) is day-to-day.

--F Tim Duncan (left ankle) is day-to-day.