Spurs' Devin Vassell expected to miss extended period of time with setback

The San Antonio Spurs have been far too familiar with dealing with injuries this season, despite being the No. 2 team in the Western Conference with a 23-9 record.

Three of the Spurs' top scorers this season have missed nine or more games so far this season. Now their No. 4 scorer is in line to carry on this pattern.

Since San Antonio's most recent game, the Dec. 29 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, starting small forward Devin Vassell discovered a new setback.

Mitch Johnson: Devin Vassell will be out for "more than a game or two" with adductor strain

Before the San Antonio Spurs' New Year's Eve matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, head coach Mitch Johnson spoke on Devin Vassell's adductor strain, saying the starter will be sidelined for multiple games with the setback.

Julian Champagnie started in place of Vassell in the Dec. 31 game, Spurs insider Tom Orsborn reported. Expect Keldon Johnson to also get an extended workload in Vassell's absence.

Further answers are expected, and a more specific injury timeline should be released in the coming days. Vassell is missing his first game of the season and likely more to start the new year.

Through 32 appearances for the Spurs this season, the 25-year-old has put together another consistent year so far, averaging 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, while shooting 42.2% from the field and 37.9% from three.

More NBA news:

• Trade rumors: Nets' Michael Porter Jr. added to list of potential targets for Bucks

• Former Lakers, 76ers center Mo Bamba signs deal with new team

• Knicks' former NBA Draft pick gets granted four years of college eligibility

• Suns provide new hamstring injury update for Jalen Green

• Hornets' Kon Knueppel gets positive news after missing one game with injury

• Trade rumors: Hornets' Brandon Miller enters talks while battling injury problems