Injury Thread: Tiago Splitter's Calf and Manu Ginobili's Oblique

[timvp]

Against the Clippers, Tiago Splitter got fouled by Blake Griffin going up for a shot. He shot both free throws but then hobbled up the court. He left the game and has been diagnosed with a calf strain.

Only word thus far is he won't return for tonight. Unfortunately, he's had calf strains in the past that have kept him out for weeks at a time.


Edit:

Manu Ginobili left the game with a strained oblique muscle on his left side.

[jestersmash]

Let's go ahead and make this the Splitter and Manu (potentially) injury thread

Mike Monroe @Monroe_SA
@manuginobili limping to locker room after final play of 1st half vs. Clips; no rewport yet

[TDMVPDPOY]

10 day break will be good for him....then he misses out in rookie game :(

calf injuries is only cureable by tattooing them or fckn them according to koriwhat and KBP..


ps. go sign malcom thomas or fesenko

[MaNu4Tres]

Calf strain(s) or a calf strain in his 11 year pro career?

[Cant_Be_Faded]

fuck

[The ADMIRAL 50]

fuck

[spurtech09]

sucks....hope its not that bad cause spurs need splitter....

[loveforthegame]

I feel bad for Splitter. He's been a big part of our team this season and this injury will set him back. Pop will be even more strict with his minutes.

Not sure where the Spurs go from here. Pop won't trust a 10 day contract guy and I don't see them making any trades either. I fear we're going to ride Bonner and Blair and hope that Leonard can handle some of the pf duties too.

[timtonymanu]

Manu's sitting on the bench now so he should be fine.

[spurtech09]

well if splitter is out for awhile and I hope not...spurs need to sign another big....but I cross my fingers and splitter plays monday...:)get well soon splitta man

[jestersmash]

Manu is good to go -

Mike Monroe @Monroe_SA
@manuginobili looks good to go for 2nd half for #Spurs

[Libri]

Nene injured his calf and is wearing a boot. Hope it's not that bad.

[Muser]

This is what the FO get for trying to ride a lockout season with 4 bigs.

[MaNu4Tres]

This is what the FO get for trying to ride a lockout season with 4 bigs.

You think they haven't tried to bring in a quality 5th big?

[Proxy]

Maybe avoiding injury while winning is Pop's reasoning for Tiago's minutes situation this year... now what the fuck do we do now with one legit big man?

[++SaiNt TiAg0++]

fuck this shit man, you know splitter and manu get hurt because they play with guts and like REAL MEN!!!!....pssshhh BONNER???? never gets injured!! because hes a fragile kiss ass & doesn't dare risk potentially injury b/c bonner is a damn scrub and WILL ALWAYS BE A SCRUB

[Proxy]

So are we hoping for his return against CHI?

[BRs.Ganso]

2 weeks out

by Doctor Ganso :lol

[pgardn]

fuck this shit man, you know splitter and manu get hurt because they play with guts and like REAL MEN!!!!....pssshhh BONNER???? never gets injured!! because hes a fragile kiss ass & doesn't dare risk potentially injury b/c bonner is a damn scrub and WILL ALWAYS BE A SCRUB

The ways to somehow get a jab in at Bonner are indeed many.

Bonner has no muscles to strain.

[apalisoc_9]

Not only do we lose splitter, now Duncan has to play more minutes. FCK...

Any Free agent bigs out there worth signing?

[ajballer4]

Gino back to the locker room

[hater]

wtf is wrong with manu

[ThaBigFundamental21]

We've got to get a good god damn big man to go with this team. I'm all for trading our first and 2nd round pick next year. Or even in the season after. We are another good/solid big man away from winning a title.

[TD 21]

They got exactly what they deserved. Maybe they can bring in another 6-8 or under scrub, who can't defend or shoot. Surely, that will vault them back to being elite defensively.

[loveforthegame]

Still no word on Ginobli?

[Borosai]

The Spurs will make a move. If Pop was concerned (correct?) about Tiago before, he's not going to roll into the playoffs counting on him.

[ajballer4]

JA Adande said a rib injury to Manu. Pop said "we may have lost him again"

[MaNu4Tres]

JA Adande said a rib injury to Manu. Pop said "we may have lost him again"

https://twitter.com/#!/InfoManu/status/171013962199072771/photo/1

[loveforthegame]

I feel bad for Ginoli and the team but I don't worry about it like previous seasons. We have the guards to cover for his absence now.

What worries me is how the team is going to cover for Splitter.

[loveforthegame]

Sorry dp.

[MmP]

@manuginobili suffered a strained left oblique muscle in the second half of today's game.

mmonroe

[ajballer4]

Strained left oblique muscle. No timetable

[will_spurs]

https://twitter.com/#!/InfoManu/status/171013962199072771/photo/1

https://p.twimg.com/Al-QSuTCAAIxSMY.jpg

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Okafor had a grade 2 version of Manu's injury and missed 2 weeks.


Yikes.

[loveforthegame]

So yeah we'll be without Ginobli for a bit.

[MmP]

How bad a strained muscle can be? I don't sound that serious

[DesignatedT]

Wow Manu. Ridiculous

[Mugen]

well thats a new one for manu

[will_spurs]

Silver lining: injuries now are the only way to have Manu healthy for the start of the playoffs :lol

[timvp]

Oblique injuries are common and pretty serious in baseball. Will have to research on how long it usually keeps someone out of the NBA . . .




Danny Ferry has called two games: Manu's broken hand game and this one.

[Bruno]

It isn't a bad time for injury. Spurs have a light schedule and there is the all star break. For example, Spurs have 6 games in the next 17 days.

[Mal]

Oblique injuries are common and pretty serious in baseball. Will have to research on how long it usually keeps someone out of the NBA . . .



1-3 weeks.

[WeNeedLength]

Bending or twisting the trunk in a forceful or improper way can lead to a muscle strain of the obliques , according to the State of Victoria Better Health Channel website. Muscle strains are categorized based on their severity. If there is no significant injury to the oblique muscles, the sprain is considered a grade one or minor sprain. The main symptom is stiffness and difficulty moving the trunk, and there may be muscle soreness and visible bruising. Grade one sprains usually require avoiding movements that aggravate the symptoms and may take two to three weeks to heal.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/123761-oblique-muscle-strain-symptoms/#ixzz1mmQR51Qi

[Borosai]

For those of you without visible abdominal muscles, the obliques are are somewhere between your beer belly and your love handles.

[Cant_Be_Faded]

He also blogged about TJ Ford the day of TJ Ford's injury

[Mr.Robinson]

Oblique injuries are common and pretty serious in baseball. Will have to research on how long it usually keeps someone out of the NBA . . .




Danny Ferry has called two games: Manu's broken hand game and this one.

In baseball you twist your hips/waist to swing at a ball. That is why it is serious in baseball. Not so much in basketball. He will be out for a week.

[Beaverfuzz]

Damn, would have loved to see both of them in action Tuesday night in Portland. Time to sign the white gorilla Pryzbilla!

[NASpurs]

That's a new one for Manu, a strained vagina muscle.

This is just frustrating as much as I like the dude.

[GSH]

From the sounds of things, the injury isn't a really bad one. The problem is getting him back into game shape. This is a setback on top of a setback. I know a lot of people will go on about how much time there is left in the season. But it's shorter than you think. There's definitely a chance that this affects who starts and who comes off the bench come playoff time.

[Keepin' it real]

For those of you without visible abdominal muscles, the obliques are are somewhere between your beer belly and your love handles.

[timvp]

I don't like Manu with muscle injuries because they tend to linger with him :td

In the Manu Ginobili injury power rankings, I prefer broken bones, tbh.

[temujin]

Manu was mentioning 5-10 games to get back in decent shape, before this one.
Assuming this is 10 day/ two weeks, it won't be before the 20/25th of March that Ginobili will be back in acceptable conditions.

[Mugen]

im more worried about Tiago at this point, tbh.

[Man In Black]

Depends on how much was affected. I can't tell when he hurt it. It's the grade of injury that will tell us how long he could be out.

The bad thing is for a player like Ginobili, any hard quick twitch move would result in some pain. They will probably go with localized treatment and give it at least 48 to treat any inflammation. Happy that the AS break is coming soon. Ginobili's body is an issue but I think both he & Tiago are going to play huge come playoff time, so I consider this latest malady, just another bump in the road. Hopefully, TD & TP can keep up their synergy.

[Kori Ellis]

Shawn Marion only missed 3 games with a strained oblique in 2010. Hopefully Manu heals as quickly.

[ElNono]

More concerned about the bigs... I expect to see a lot of Bonner-Blair or RJ at PF :td

[jjktkk]

im more worried about Tiago at this point, tbh.

[DesignatedT]

A lot of small ball coming up. Thank god we have Kawhi Leonard now. He can at least get away with playing some 4. I think.

[temujin]

Spurs simply cannot play rotating 3 bigs, that's for sure.

So yes, Splitters' injury is more worriesome.

[DPG21920]

He said he hurt it against DET.

[DPG21920]

Tiago's injury right now is more worrisome. Hopefully this forces the Spurs hand into doing something.

[Ice009]

He said he hurt it against DET.

Who hurt what against Detroit?

[DPG21920]

Gino hurt his oblique against DET, sorry.

[jestersmash]

We should have a vbookie bet on when Manu will score 20 points in a single game again (whoever guesses the closest wins, regardless of whether you overshoot or undershoot) :lol

[Ice009]

Gino hurt his oblique against DET, sorry.

OK, thanks.

Did they say if Manu actually told anyone or did he just try to play through it without saying anything?

[DPG21920]

They didn't say.

[roycrikside]

Figure all-star break minimum for both guys, and maybe a week longer after that. Our first game after the break is the 29th against the Bulls.

[Mugen]

i think Manu's back for the Bulls game. Tiago probably not til the next Clipper game on Mar. 9th.

I'm thinking Pop will be even more careful with bringing Tiago back now that he's injured his calf again and probably no chance he gets 25+ mins til HOPEFULLY the playoffs.

[TDMVPDPOY]

Figure all-star break minimum for both guys, and maybe a week longer after that. Our first game after the break is the 29th against the Bulls.

hopefully derrick rose takes this game off for his back injury woes... :D:D

[timvp]

What are the chances that Manu is healthy for the beginning of the playoffs and can remain healthy for the entire postseason? That is one of the main reasons why I can't convince myself to consider this team more than a fringe contender.

And regarding Splitter, now Pop really won't start him. And Pop will have more fuel for his "Splitter is always hurt" fire.

[DesignatedT]

From now to after all-star break is 10 days rest. Hopefully both can heal up in that time

[slick'81]

depending on severity gino will be out anywhere from 2-6 weeks as for splitter who knows i guess

[jjktkk]

What are the chances that Manu is healthy for the beginning of the playoffs and can remain healthy for the entire postseason? That is one of the main reasons why I can't convince myself to consider this team more than a fringe contender.

And regarding Splitter, now Pop really won't start him. And Pop will have more fuel for his "Splitter is always hurt" fire.

Might be some truth to it. Regarding Splitter's playing time, its easy to say Pop's stubborn, set in his ways, etc..., but if Splitter is injury prone, its hard to not worry about overplaying him imo.

[The Truth #6]

So Pop was right all along about Tiago? Ha.

Speaking of injuries: what the hell is going on with TJ Ford? With Manu and Splitter out, Tony will get worn down even more trying to carry the team. If TJ isn't coming back soon, at some point Pop has to play Neal more and Parker less because Joseph is not going to cut it this year based on what we've seen so far.

[200 miles]

For those of you without visible abdominal muscles, the obliques are are somewhere between your beer belly and your love handles.

Well somebody is getting a big head after his GQ photoshoot.:rolleyes

[Brazil]

Now I'm starting to be worried for TP and TD... they are going to be washed up for the POs if not injured before... that's suck

[MarHill]

What are the chances that Manu is healthy for the beginning of the playoffs and can remain healthy for the entire postseason? That is one of the main reasons why I can't convince myself to consider this team more than a fringe contender.

And regarding Splitter, now Pop really won't start him. And Pop will have more fuel for his "Splitter is always hurt" fire.

Timvp,

Actually at the beginning of the season, I thought the Spurs were a "fringe contender." But I feel much better about this team considering the adversity they had to go through with losing Manu for 22 games (and now some more games), TJ Ford and now losing Tiago.

I rather the injury bug happen now....then at the end of the season where they will have no shot to win it all without all the Big 3 healthy.

I am concerned with Duncan's minutes increasing with Tiago out for awhile. He will need energy for the playoffs.

The fact the young guys have played well and we have two guys in Neal and Green that are not afraid of the moment bodes well in the long run.

The Spurs can manage through the regular season.....I just hope Manu is ready for the playoffs and playing well at that time. If so, they will be a legit contender to come out of the West.

[spurtech09]

spurs were playing fine without manu....So not really worried about that...my only concern is not having splitter in the line-up...blair and bonner are only bigs?doesn't look good....just hope spurs can find a filler for splitter cause 3 bigs just doesn't cut it :(

[spurtech09]

Shawn Marion only missed 3 games with a strained oblique in 2010. Hopefully Manu heals as quickly.
Hope so :depressed

[ElNono]

What are the chances that Manu is healthy for the beginning of the playoffs and can remain healthy for the entire postseason? That is one of the main reasons why I can't convince myself to consider this team more than a fringe contender.

And regarding Splitter, now Pop really won't start him. And Pop will have more fuel for his "Splitter is always hurt" fire.

He'll be healthy for the London Olympics :stirpot:

[Danny.Zhu]

damn...

[024]

it was fun while it lasted but the injuries scuttle any championship chances the spurs have left. manu is going to be a shadow of a player once he returns and pop will never trust splitter with large minutes this season. the next player that goes down is going to be parker since he is still due for his annual injury and has been carrying the spurs throughout this condensed season.

[MannyIsGod]

God damn Manu is finding new places to hurt.

[GSH]

He'll be healthy for the London Olympics :stirpot:

I'm not touching it.


Someone said that he got the injury playing against Detroit? Hopefully that means that it was bothering him, but not so badly that he thought he couldn't play today. Maybe it wasn't a really bad strain to begin with.

Or did he injure it further today?

[DPG21920]

It was reported he tweaked it against DET and further injured it today.

[rascal]

What are the chances that Manu is healthy for the beginning of the playoffs and can remain healthy for the entire postseason? That is one of the main reasons why I can't convince myself to consider this team more than a fringe contender.

And regarding Splitter, now Pop really won't start him. And Pop will have more fuel for his "Splitter is always hurt" fire.

What is wrong with Splitter's calves? Didn't he have the same problem last season? He needs to do strenghtening exercises in the off season (calf raises with weights) to strenghten them.

[GrandeDavid]

Give me a break, folks. Strained calf and strained oblique. A few games rest will be good for those guys.

[TDMVPDPOY]

What is wrong with Splitter's calves? Didn't he have the same problem last season? He needs to do strenghtening exercises in the off season (calf raises with weights) to strenghten them.

he needs to get them tattooed i read....

[GrandeDavid]

JA Adande said a rib injury to Manu. Pop said "we may have lost him again"

Ace the drama queen card. He's not hurt seriously and will be ready in a week.

[Sean Cagney]

I come home to see they won, then see they lost them two. JUST F IN GREAT, they were playing really well.

[ElNono]

FWIW, Tiago calf strain is in the same foot (right) as the strain he had last season during training camp.

[LakerHater]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s320x320/420582_276817225722236_124920027578624_654522_1592 024673_n.jpg

[timvp]

FWIW, Tiago calf strain is in the same foot (right) as the strain he had last season during training camp.

I just looked and Splitter got hurt Oct. 1 and wasn't able to play in a game until Nov. 1.

If he misses a month this time around, that'd be a huge blow :depressed

[timvp]

... and Manu not updating his Twitter makes me wonder ...

[mercos]

The Tiago injury really stings as we already lack depth in the front court. The team can deal with the Manu injury as he hadn't even gotten re-acclimated yet. The Spur's gamble to not aggressively seek a 5th big is coming back to haunt them. Going into the year with Blair as a starter is going to prove to be management's biggest mistake. Since it is obvious now they never had any intention of starting Splitter, a suitable starter should have been acquired. Now we are stuck with a 3 man big rotation that includes only 1 shot blocker and 1 decent rebounder in Tim Duncan.

[Manu20]

My boy Manu just seems he cant stay healthy :( The Tiago injury is a HUGE blow to this team hopefully he can return quickly.

[nowhereman523]

That sucks. Sorry for you guys, but let's just hope all teams will be healthy and clicking going into the playoffs.

[Trill Clinton]

They just called up a player from the toros...

[ElNono]

... and Manu not updating his Twitter makes me wonder ...

Non-Issue


He's probably mad as hell, tbh

[Manufan909]

They just called up a player from the toros...

Who?

[Sean Cagney]

They just called up a player from the toros...

:( I hate hearing that word every year, they stay 10 days or less and don't hardly play at all.

[Trill Clinton]

Who?

Cant say, but yea they jussssst called him up.

[ElNono]

From some news reports in Argentina, Manu is heading back to San Antonio to get some studies done and start with recovery.

[gospursgojas]

@manuginobili It was an amazing journey guys, muy chevere. All the respect in the world to the Spurs organization and my teammates that I was fortunate to win 3 rings with. Will always be a Spur and a Spur fan. iBuena suerte!

:blah

[apalisoc_9]

@manuginobili It was an amazing journey guys, muy chevere. All the respect in the world to the Spurs organization and my teammates that I was fortunate to win 3 rings with. Will always be a Spur and a Spur fan. iBuena suerte!

Manu is getting really emotional. Please be back MANU!!!!

[timvp]

From some news reports in Argentina, Manu is heading back to San Antonio to get some studies done and start with recovery.

Manu needs to start taking whatever steroids Kenyon Martin takes that allow him to come back even more athletic after each of his injuries, tbh.

[jimo2305]

i wasn't worried at first that it was a strained oblique but now that i hear he tweaked it in the det game and stressed it further in this game does worry me a bit..

as far as tiago's calf injury.. i dont see him coming back any sooner than end of march..and im bein optimistic

[ElNono]

Manu needs to start taking whatever steroids Kenyon Martin takes that allow him to come back even more athletic after each of his injuries, tbh.

Let's see what JR Smith looks like for the Knicks... maybe the Chinese have some super secret magical root that eats at your brain but makes you stronger...

[timvp]

Buck_SA Walked out with @manuginobili, and he had trouble walking. Oblique muscle hurt that much. Injured initially in Detroit. "Weird," he said.

:depressed

[Ice009]

Danny Green said he had the same injury in the final 4. Said he took an injection to play, but it still hurt a lot. He also said it took about 3 weeks to heal.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/02/18/latest-injury-has-ginobili-on-hold/

[stephen jackson]

timmy is so durable lol
knock on wood

[polandprzem]

How can Manu not be injured and then injure himself during recovery?

There are tons of supplements to be taken and if Gino is not taking them then that is something wrong with NBA.

Of course roids are part of the sport, but if he do not wants to take them. Take the 'legal' nutritions.

Every time Gino is back from an injury he is weaker.

[jestersmash]

Let's look at the worst case scenario with Ginobili - even if he's out 6 weeks, he'll have a solid 4 weeks in April to get back into game shape. Is 4 weeks enough?

Realistically he'll be back in more like 3 to 4 weeks (maybe less), which will provide a longer conditioning period (6 to 7 weeks to get back).

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

Not good news, but the timing right before all-star break and coming off an already successful RRT is perfect. Hopefully they'll both be back after ASB at the latest.

Okay, just read the thread and it seems the speculation is months. Neither looked serious when they happened. I'll wait for the official reports. :depressed

[polandprzem]

Let's look at the worst case scenario with Ginobili - even if he's out 6 weeks, he'll have a solid 4 weeks in April to get back into game shape. Is 4 weeks enough?

Realistically he'll be back in more like 3 to 4 weeks (maybe less), which will provide a longer conditioning period (6 to 7 weeks to get back).

4 weeks for Ginobili is not enough and that's ridiculous:bang

[Kewni Leonard]

Good thing this is coming around the ASB and is only a strain.

[ace3g]

Mike Monroe @Monroe_SA

@manginobili is headed back to San Antonio; sez he doesn't think injury as bad as he feared; check SpursNation blog in a few min.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/02/19/manu-i-dont-think-my-injury-is-as-bad-as-i-feared/

[Kori Ellis]

Mike Monroe @Monroe_SA

@manginobili is headed back to San Antonio; sez he doesn't think injury as bad as he feared; check SpursNation blog in a few min.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/02/19/manu-i-dont-think-my-injury-is-as-bad-as-i-feared/

Thanks. Hopefully that's good news.

(Oh and Monroe needs to spellcheck that piece.)

[dunkman]

Glassnobili ! ! ! At least the team had deep at SG/SF. Too bad for Tiago though . . .

[ducks]

manu needs to be traded this offseason

[Man In Black]

manu needs to be traded this offseason
What could you get back that's better?

Even more to the point, when your French God says this:

“No disrespect to my young teammates, but I don’t care how good they’re playing,” All-Star point guard Tony Parker said. “I’ll play with Manu any time of the day, even if he’s 50 percent.”

then what make you think that HE GIVES A FUCK WHAT YOU SAY?

[Proxy]

I'm more concerned about Splitter and TJ...

next thing you know, our entire big 3 will be out and Neal, Green, RJ, Kawhi, and Bonner will be our starting 5.

[smrattler]

Let's look at the worst case scenario with Ginobili - even if he's out 6 weeks, he'll have a solid 4 weeks in April to get back into game shape. Is 4 weeks enough?

Realistically he'll be back in more like 3 to 4 weeks (maybe less), which will provide a longer conditioning period (6 to 7 weeks to get back).


Youre assuming he wont get hurt again after coming back. Then we'll be asking if 1 week is enough time.

[Manufan909]

Not good news, but the timing right before all-star break and coming off an already successful RRT is perfect. Hopefully they'll both be back after ASB at the latest.

Okay, just read the thread and it seems the speculation is months. Neither looked serious when they happened. I'll wait for the official reports. :depressed

The timing might be fortunate once again, but that doesn't matter nearly as much to me as the fact that Manu couldn't even hit a streak of 6 games played before going out again. Assuming the Spurs make the WCF this year, does anyone think Manu can really stay healthy for 12-21 games? Also, with no real word from the Spurs yet (which is quite worrisome in and of itself), I wouldn't put too much stock into what paranoid fans have to say.

I'm glad to hear that Manu is optimistic about his injury, but that just draws attention to the fact that there hasn't been a single peep about Splitter. I'd settle for a McDonald tweet right about now.:(

[tp2021]

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/1202179_ginobili_splitter_injury_update

Manu Ginobili and Tiago Splitter will both miss Monday's Spurs-Jazz game in Utah.

Ginobili (strained left oblique) has returned to San Antonio and he will be examined by Spurs team physicians on Monday and will undergo an MRI.

Splitter (strained right calf) remains with the team on the trip.

[tp2021]

Seeing as Tiago will continue traveling with the team, perhaps Manu's injury is indeed the more severe of the two.

[DPG21920]

Well, with Manu being sent home and Tiago still remaining with the team, you have to imagine Tiago's injury isn't very serious although he's out of tomorrow's game.

[Sean Cagney]

Well, with Manu being sent home and Tiago still remaining with the team, you have to imagine Tiago's injury isn't very serious although he's out of tomorrow's game.

COOL! We could not afford to lose that guy for long. Ginobili get well again bro, cot damn stay healthy after that.

[loveforthegame]

Hopefully that's a good sign that Splitter is staying with the team. :tu

Too bad about Ginobli though. :td

[DPG21920]

Reports saying manus injury not as bad as initially reported.

[Leetonidas]

Reports saying manus injury not as bad as initially reported.

Nice, where did you hear this?

[DPG21920]

Monroe.

[chazley]

Should we just package Manu + Blair + RJ for a solid big man and a solid wing? That's a pretty good package for the other team and it won't take away anything from what we've been able to accomplish this season.

Yea, let's trade those 3 pieces while they have their lowest market value.

[SA210]

manu needs to be traded this offseason

:sleep

[Steve-O-Matic]

RotoWorld:

Manu Ginobili (strained oblique) is hopeful that his injury isn't as bad as he feared.
"Last night it was very bad, but the [anti-]inflammatories already are working," said Manu. "We’ll know more tomorrow, but I am hopeful." This is an encouraging update, though his owners should still prepare for a string of DNPs. It seems doubtful that he'd rejoin the Spurs for any of their next three road games, and they only have one home game after that prior to the All-Star break. He would have 13 days of rest if he sits out until the first game after the break, March 2nd against the Bobcats.

[Brazil]

How weird this season is... I'm more worried by Tiago injury than for Manu's one

[ThaBigFundamental21]

Should we just package Manu + Blair + RJ for a solid big man and a solid wing? That's a pretty good package for the other team and it won't take away anything from what we've been able to accomplish this season.

Fuck you, Manu isn't going anywhere. You guys are the most wishy washy fans of all time. A month ago it was trade Parker ASAP, we don't want him on this team. And Manu was a God. Manu is hurt, Parker gets hot. And now it's Parker is an MVP, Manu is trash. You guys are so fuckin ignorant it isn't even funny. Go root for the heat.

[acoelho1]

+1000. All you so called Spurs asking to trade Duncan, Parker or Ginobili should switch teams. Maybe become a Knick fan with Linny.. when was the last time they won a championship??

[tomtom]

Any word on when TJ will be back?

[jestersmash]

Inaccurate statement, as the first game after the break is at home the following Wed. after the break is against Chicago, a must-win statement game. We'll need Manu and certainly Tiago for then.

:lmao

I thought spurs fans had their fill of "regular season championships" last year.

[Wild Cobra Kai]

Inaccurate statement, as the first game after the break is at home the following Wed. after the break is against Chicago, a must-win statement game. We'll need Manu and certainly Tiago for then.

No regular season game is worth a re-tweak of the oblique.

[ElNono]

must-win statement game

crofl

[jag]

Tiago should be able to play against the Blazers if the vibe I am getting is correct.

:lmao

[Harry Callahan]

_Jag,

Did they show this Blake Griffin highlight on Sportscenter? NO!

Was it a called a foul instead? I wouldn't know.

I didn't see the game because it was blacked out where I live.

[NASpurs]

INJURIES
Spurs: T.J. Ford (torn left hamstring) is out; Manu Ginobili (strained left oblique) is out; Splitter (strained right calf) is doubtful
Jazz: None.

This is for tonight's game. So my question is, if Manu is definitely out and Tiago is "doubtful", does that mean that Tiago's injury isn't as bad as originally thought?

[hater]

Should we just package Manu + Blair + RJ for a solid big man and a solid wing? That's a pretty good package for the other team and it won't take away anything from what we've been able to accomplish this season.

This would not be a bad idea. I posted a trade manu thread and was chastised by the blind mice of the COM.

[hater]

INJURIES
Spurs: T.J. Ford (torn left hamstring) is out; Manu Ginobili (strained left oblique) is out; Splitter (strained right calf) is doubtful
Jazz: None.

This is for tonight's game. So my question is, if Manu is definitely out and Tiago is "doubtful", does that mean that Tiago's injury isn't as bad as originally thought?

I think it's pretty obvious. If Tiago staying with the team, he should be back before Road trip is over.

[GrandeDavid]

How weird this season is... I'm more worried by Tiago injury than for Manu's one

Eu também, varão!

[timvp]

All the signs are pointing to Splitter's injury not being too serious. Let's hope that's the case. The last time he strained his calf, he was out for a month. That would obviously be disastrous right now given the lack of bigman depth.

[Leetonidas]

INJURIES
Spurs: T.J. Ford (torn left hamstring) is out; Manu Ginobili (strained left oblique) is out; Splitter (strained right calf) is doubtful
Jazz: None.

This is for tonight's game. So my question is, if Manu is definitely out and Tiago is "doubtful", does that mean that Tiago's injury isn't as bad as originally thought?

Good news, Popovich usually don't list players as doubtful, they're either definitely out or likely if returning from injury most of the time, so I'm sure Tiago will be back before the road trip is over, especially since he's still with the team. Manu's injury isn't too serious and Ford should be back soon, so hopefully we'll be heading full strength into the playoffs. Better to happen now than the last game of the season

[ElNono]

I re-watched the game last night, looking specifically at Tiago and Manu to try to spot what happened.

As far as Tiago, he got an early entry since DeJuan was benched to gather his thoughts, and right when Blair replaces him the first time in the 1st quarter, you can see him sitting on the bench and start massaging his right calf. He goes in a couple more times but by the last time he has difficulty running and he intentionally fouls Griffin to come out.

For Manu, at about 3:45 in the 3rd quarter (and well before the Kmart screen), you can see him swing a ball towards either Bonner or Neal on the perimeter, and get the ball back, but the ball is intercepted and goes out of bounds. From that play onwards, you can see Manu reaching for the oblique. He tried to play through it for a while, but I guess the pain just got worse.

[therealtruth]

I re-watched the game last night, looking specifically at Tiago and Manu to try to spot what happened.

As far as Tiago, he got an early entry since DeJuan was benched to gather his thoughts, and right when Blair replaces him the first time in the 1st quarter, you can see him sitting on the bench and start massaging his right calf. He goes in a couple more times but by the last time he has difficulty running and he intentionally fouls Griffin to come out.

For Manu, at about 3:45 in the 3rd quarter (and well before the Kmart screen), you can see him swing a ball towards either Bonner or Neal on the perimeter, and get the ball back, but the ball is intercepted and goes out of bounds. From that play onwards, you can see Manu reaching for the oblique. He tried to play through it for a while, but I guess the pain just got worse.

He should be starting to save him from injuries.

[Fireball]

Obviously Tiagos body wasn't ready to get on the court that early in the game ... it makes absolutely no sense but interestingly enough he injured himself in a situation he normally does not face ...

[ajballer4]

Eric Dawson signing made official by Marc Spears. Is he joining the team tonight in Utah?

[jag]

Obviously Tiagos body wasn't ready to get on the court that early in the game

Sitting on the bench for a couple minutes longer would have helped his body to be more prepared?

It could be possible that it's just a nagging injury.

[Bruno]

Per Parker, Ginobili MRI results are good and his injury isn't a big deal.

[ChumpDumper]

Eric Dawson signing made official by Marc Spears. Is he joining the team tonight in Utah?I don't see why not. He was in LA before the call up.

[ElNono]

Per Parker, Ginobili MRI results are good and his injury isn't a big deal.

Thanks for the news, Bruno. :tu

[janieannie]

Sorry, Bruno, but gotta have more of a specific source than "Per Parker", especially so soon after the MRI was done.

[jjktkk]

I re-watched the game last night, looking specifically at Tiago and Manu to try to spot what happened.

As far as Tiago, he got an early entry since DeJuan was benched to gather his thoughts,

:lol, Whataburger?

[z0sa]

so the theme of this thread is "Not Sure if Serious"

[ElNono]

:lol, Whataburger?

I think Pop was irate when he let Griffin basically back him up all the way down to the basket in one of the first Clippers possessions.

[jjktkk]

I think Pop was irate when he let Griffin basically back him up all the way down to the basket in one of the first Clippers possessions.

Probably right. I was just laughing at how you worded that Dejuan was just "gathering his thoughts". :toast

[Bruno]

Sorry, Bruno, but gotta have more of a specific source than "Per Parker", especially so soon after the MRI was done.

Tony Parker saying on the radio that they got the news after Manu's IRM that the injury wasn't too serious sounds like a damn solid source.

[ace3g]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA

Manu Ginobili (oblique strain) and Tiago Splitter (calf strain) both expected to miss two weeks, Spurs say.

[jjktkk]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA

Manu Ginobili (oblique strain) and Tiago Splitter (calf strain) both expected to miss two weeks, Spurs say.

Thanks for the update.

[janieannie]

Sounds like a good source, Bruno. Do you have a link to Tony's radio interview, even if it's in French.

[Creation88]

am i the only one that believes the Tiago loss is BIGGER for us than Manu? they're both gonna miss a lot of big games unfortunately: Nugs z2, Blazers, Bulls, Knicks, and Clippers

[Kori Ellis]

Yeah it's on mysa.com that they are both expected out 2 weeks.

[loveforthegame]

Thanks for the update. Not bad at all. Especially with the all star break eating up some of the time.

[timvp]

If two weeks, they'll miss the rest of the RRT and the first two games after the All-Star break. Could have been worse.

I was hoping for better news regarding Splitter but this is far from the worst case scenario.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Two weeks of Blair and Bonner getting huge minutes. My God.

[angelbelow]

2 weeks, 5 games isn't terrible but was hoping Tiago would only miss 2 max. We survived Manu's injury due to a combination of Parker's brilliance, Tiago's emergence, and good all around play from the rest of the team. Can we actually survive both Manu AND Tiago gone? I doubt it but 5 games shouldn't break our backs.

[Bruno]

Sounds like a good source, Bruno. Do you have a link to Tony's radio interview, even if it's in French.

That's not a radio interview. Parker host a weekly 1 hour radio show where he talks about Spurs and has some guests. That's a good source of news regarding Spurs but it's in French.

There are podcasts of these shows:
http://www.rmcsport.fr/podcast/podcast.php?id=232

[mexicanjunior]

Adrian Wojnarowski @WojYahooNBA

Manu Ginobili (oblique strain) and Tiago Splitter (calf strain) both expected to miss two weeks, Spurs say.

5 game losing streak, here we come...

[angelbelow]

A lot of doubling, rotating and scrambling like the end of the Clipper game defensively... then gang rebound, P&R on offense & a lot of Tony Parker on offense. We must be consistent if we're going to beat the Bulls.

Griffin is a different kind of beast though. He doesn't really score well off isolation and individual post up situations. So doubling him is super effective. Griffin's problem is also compounded his lack of midrange and play making. The Clippers also have no shooters. They have a gassed Randy Foye but hes more of a scorer, someone who needs the ball and a lot of shots to get going. On that note, Bulter is similar.

Even then, I felt like we won that game because we got lucky. Why would you put in Ryan Gomes who hasn't played all game in that situation? It must mean hes a reliable inbound passer but he proceeded to botch that play. We probably should have lost that game.

We shouldn't have too much of a problem with Utah as long as Tony plays well. Portland still has a lot of talent and weapons but seem to be imploding. I don't think we can beat the bulls so you probably won't get your statement win.

[ace3g]

Missing Orlando: Splitter said his strained right calf muscle responded well to treatment he has received while remaining with the team and its athletic training staff for the final three games of the rodeo road trip. His leg feels better than he anticipated a week after the injury occurred during the Spurs’ win over the Clippers in Los Angeles.

He had been selected to play in the Rising Stars Challenge, the first event of All-Star Weekend in Orlando.

“I will miss it,” he said, “but it is very important I continue to receive treatment on my injury. (Head athletic trainer) Will (Sevening) has done a great job, and it is improving a lot.”

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/02/24/all-star-notebook-calf-strain-keeps-leonard-out-of-rising-stars-game/

[WeNeedLength]

:clap

Great news.

[benefactor]

Great news. Need him back on that front line asap.

[superbigtime]

This is good news. Tiago needs to keep rollin. Manu's oblique injury hopefully is healing and may have been a blessing, in that it gave his hand fracture additional healing time. Hopefully everyone will be healthy very soon.

[Manufan909]

This is good news. Tiago needs to keep rollin. Manu's oblique injury hopefully is healing and may have been a blessing, in that it gave his hand fracture additional healing time. Hopefully everyone will be healthy very soon.

Idk if you can go that far, I would assume the hand fracture was fully healed before Manu played again. What I guess you meant to say is that Manu has more time to get used to the screws in his hand (anyone know how many he has, and also know anyone else who went through that surgery?). It's sad that Spurs fans have so many opportunities to think of new silver linings for Manu being out.:depressed

But the continued silver lining is that Green and Leonard are getting additional PT, which will be vital to the Spurs playoff hopes. Hopefully they both earn (and are rewarded) with more PT in the POs than RJ. But does anyone really think that will happen? If RJ is starting in the first round, I don't even believe anyone could realistically assume that one of Green or Leonard would average more PT than RJ... Unless Manu ends up being the Spurs' official 6th man again (Blair is the big that needs him most so I hope Manu starts, cuz even Neal can feed Splitter, and Ford should be back), or Leonard lowers his 3pt % discrepancy with RJ from 9% to 4-6% (right now they're 35% and 44%, respectively).

Sadly, RJ was shooting almost 48% from 3 last season, so Leonard will have to really step it up over the 2nd half of the season. I wish Pop would realize that Kawhi's obvious superiority to RJ when it comes to defense/effort/rebounding/cutting/poker face to the basket outweighs RJ's obvious superiority when it comes to 3pt shooting/age/hairlessness. Semi-serious question here, which player is worse about taking 3s over the past month? Iirc, Leonard has been on a tear from deep lately. I think he is 10-15on his last ten 3s or something. After submitting this post I'll try to get basketball-reference.com work for me, but the last time I checked that site I couldn't even find him. :bang

EDIT: That was too damn easy.:wow Anyone understand why it took me less than a minute to find what I wanted about Leonard today? A month ago bball-reference refused to acknowledge Kawhi existed.:p: Oh, and Kawhi is 9 of 19 or 47% this month, which is a huge increase from his first month: 7 of 27 or 26%. Gottdamn!!!:wow I didn't know he doubled his percentage month by month!!!!!!!! Time to break out the breakdance smiley.
:downspin::downspin::downspin:

[Mel_13]

Semi-serious question here, which player is worse about taking 3s over the past month?

Feb numbers:

RJ: 17-40 42.5%

KL: 9-19 47.4%

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/leonaka01/splits/2012/

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jefferi01/splits/2012/

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Griffin is a different kind of beast though. He doesn't really score well off isolation and individual post up situations. So doubling him is super effective. Griffin's problem is also compounded his lack of midrange and play making. The Clippers also have no shooters. They have a gassed Randy Foye but hes more of a scorer, someone who needs the ball and a lot of shots to get going. On that note, Bulter is similar.

Even then, I felt like we won that game because we got lucky. Why would you put in Ryan Gomes who hasn't played all game in that situation? It must mean hes a reliable inbound passer but he proceeded to botch that play. We probably should have lost that game.

We shouldn't have too much of a problem with Utah as long as Tony plays well. Portland still has a lot of talent and weapons but seem to be imploding. I don't think we can beat the bulls so you probably won't get your statement win.

Griffin cannot score on post ups? Thats not what I see when I watch him. He has a spin move and a drop step. He can bang and get position and that with his speed makes defenders lose their feet. If you stumble its a dunk. He certainly favors the right hand but hes explosive in his moves so you cannot get at the shot when he goes to it.

You don't score over 20 points a game on lobs, putbacks and transition buckets.

[5in10]

Griffin has the moves of a guard, except he can't shoot. That spin move is all he has, his arms are to short for post moves, and he's not finesse. He gets his points from transition, pick n roll, slipping the defense. He's not someone you throw the ball to and say go to work to. Maybe one day he will but not yet.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

i have seen him plenty of times from the left block take a drop step to the middle of the paint and elevate to a right handed shot. i fail to see how arm length is really a factor when he has a 3 ft vertical leap at 6'9". If you cannot play above the rim then you are not getting at that shot. He gets away with it due to sheer athleticism but they do toss it to him into the post and that shot does go down at a high percentage.

Additionally, when he gets post position and is fed the ball he can back defenders further into the paint. He uses the spin move to the baseline when you overplay that but because he is so damn athletic where most guys settle for a jumper, he is within 5 feet of the basket.


He is a big guy and knows how to use his power. He likes to bang and that is not an attribute of a guard.

[kaji157]

Griffin cannot score on post ups? Thats not what I see when I watch him. He has a spin move and a drop step. He can bang and get position and that with his speed makes defenders lose their feet. If you stumble its a dunk. He certainly favors the right hand but hes explosive in his moves so you cannot get at the shot when he goes to it.

You don't score over 20 points a game on lobs, putbacks and transition buckets.

Ask RJ...

[Dex]

Not sure if this has been posted yet:


“We're hoping we'll get T.J. back after the All-Star break, or maybe one or two games after the break,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “We think somewhere in there he'll be ready to go.”

- -

“I've got to get my legs back under me,” he said while lacing up his sneakers for a one-on-one session with Joseph after a morning practice at the Pepsi Center. “I've got to work back to doing stop moves and taking contact.

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/02/23/duncan-set-for-weekend-at-home-2/

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

So, Splitter and TJ back, when is Manu due?

[ace3g]

Jeff McDonald ‏ @JMcDonald_SAEN

Pop says Manu has a chance to play FRI vs. Bobcats. Officially a "game time decision."

Jeff McDonald ‏ @JMcDonald_SAEN

Pop says Kawhi Leonard (calf) is "probably out" for Bobcats. Danny Green suffered a stinger vs. CHI but plans to try and play.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Ask RJ...

RJ had a post game and was known as one of the better dribble penetrators. Wiuldn't know that by looking at him now but it is what it is.

[ace3g]

Jeff McDonald ‏ @JMcDonald_SAEN

James Anderson had to leave 3-on-3 run early after apparently aggravating something in his back. No clue on severity.

[hater]

this is fucking pathetic. howcome RJ and Bonner stay healthy :pctoss

[Cant_Be_Faded]

This season is taking a turn for the worse. Can't go on like this, need to get healthy

[DesignatedT]

Better now than later I guess.

[manufan10]

Better now than later I guess.

:tu Way to stay positive.

[ElNono]

There's a high probability everyone will be hurt by the playoffs... I mean, they've all been hurt before

[urunobili]

Manu likely back tomorrow:

http://www.ole.com.ar/basquet/rapido-bombero_0_655734740.html

[MaNu4Tres]

There's a high probability everyone will be hurt by the playoffs... I mean, they've all been hurt before

Which is why Pop should take precautionary measures and only play the big three 15 minutes a night. He's done it with Splitter the past year, so why not them too?

[sehui]

Ginobili just posted something on twitter/fb about being excited to play at home in 2012. Possible return tomorrow?

[Borosai]

No humps, no camel.

No camel, no championship.

[ezau]

Via Mike Monroe:

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2012/03/01/manus-return-appears-imminent/

[The ADMIRAL 50]

:tu

Great news.

Hopefully by the Knicks and especially the Clippers game he'll have some legs and his shot back

[The ADMIRAL 50]

:tu

Great news.

Hopefully by the Knicks and especially the Clippers game he'll have some legs and his shot back