According to the Express-News, Pop has cleared Manu to play for tonight’s game in Memphis.
The Spurs guard, who missed the team’s first 12 games while recovering from September ankle surgery, will make his season debut tonight at Memphis, Popovich confirmed after this morning’s shootaround.
It was welcome news for Ginobili, who last week had targeted this very game for his return.
“It’s great to hear,” Ginobili said. “It’s been enough time.”
Late last week, Popovich seemed poised to deny Ginobili’s request for playing time in Memphis, saying Ginobili would play “when he’s ready.” Ginobili participated in several 5-on-5 scrimmages last week, apparently showing enough to convince Popovich he was, indeed, ready.
I still think it’s a little early to bring him back and even if he is ready, would prefer if Pop would rest him at least another weak. Hopefully he brings him back slowly, starting with about 10 minutes tonight.
I’d rather have Manu back and effective late this season and during the playoffs rather than bringing him back now for a game that really doesn’t matter and having him re-injure himself.
We’ll find out exactly how much Manu will play in less than 4 hours as the Spurs will tip off against the Grizzlies at 7 p.m.
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