Spurs head into playoffs slumping and with many questions

Minnesota Timberwolves' Andrei Kirilenko, center, of Russia, and teammate Derrick Williams (7) pull down a rebound as San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili (20), of Argentina, reaches in during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (The Associated Press)

San Antonio Spurs' Kawhi Leonard (2) shoots around Minnesota Timberwolves' Chris Johnson (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (The Associated Press)

SAN ANTONIO – It's been a rough last month for the San Antonio Spurs heading into the playoffs.

San Antonio enters its first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers having lost three straight and seven of 10. Injuries limited Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili in the final month of the regular season and the team also waived key reserve Stephen Jackson on April 12 after he disagreed with his role on the team.

It all makes for unsteady footing for a team renowned for its rock-solid foundation.

The Spurs and Lakers open their seven-game series on Sunday in San Antonio.