Bruno
04-12-2008, 05:28 AM
http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/basketball/nba/spurs/stories/MYSA041208.04C.BKNspurs.notebook.3e607e6.html
Web Posted: 04/12/2008 12:23 AM CDT
Mike Monroe
Express-News
Acutely aware the playoffs begin in a week, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he will not play Manu Ginobili until the strained muscle in Ginobili's left groin is fully healed.
Ginobili strained the muscle early in Wednesday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Though he played into the fourth quarter, he did not suit up against Seattle on Friday at the AT&T Center.
After the Spurs' 95-74 victory, Popovich declared Ginobili doubtful for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. He said Ginobili, the Spurs' scoring leader, will be "game-to-game" the rest of the regular season.
"You want it to be fully healed," Popovich said, "because it's like a sprained thumb. Every time you touch it, it comes back and doesn't heal. The groin seems to be the same sort of situation. You've got to get it healed before you come back, so I'm anxious to see how he feels (today)."
Barry better: For the first time since he re-signed with the Spurs on March 23, shooting guard Brent Barry appears close to a return to action.
Barry, who suffered a torn muscle in his left calf on Jan. 21, went through a vigorous workout Thursday. He reported only minor pain and some continued swelling Friday, and Popovich said he is optimistic he will get Barry back for limited action before the regular season ends Wednesday.
"He's got significantly less pain now than he had three or four days ago," Popovich said, "and significantly more mobility, as far as getting on his toes, pushing off and exploding. That's a good sign. He's worked through getting some of the blood and scar tissue out of that area."
The Spurs have been without Barry and veteran power forward Robert Horry since March21. Horry suffered a deep bruise on his left kneecap in a game against Sacramento.
The Spurs finish at the Lakers and Sacramento Kings on Sunday and Monday before Wednesday's home finale with Utah.
"Best-case scenario," Popovich said, "is I'm hoping we can throw Brent or Robert, or both of them, out there against Sacramento and Utah, or maybe just the Utah game, just to give them a couple of minutes to get some sort of rhythm."
Johnson signed: The Spurs signed veteran guard Dermarr Johnson for the remainder of the season.
Johnson was with the club on a 10-day contract in January, appearing in three games. He spent the bulk of the season with the Austin Toros, the Spurs' affiliate in the D-League. He averaged 17.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Toros, who use the Spurs' offensive sets and terminology.
"That's huge for me," Johnson said. "I know most of the terminology they use, so I shouldn't be too confused."
Since he signed a contract for the duration of the season, rather than a 10-day contract, Johnson can be on the team's playoff roster.
Time change: Tip-off for Wednesday's game has been changed to 8:30 p.m., to accommodate ESPN.
Web Posted: 04/12/2008 12:23 AM CDT
Mike Monroe
Express-News
Acutely aware the playoffs begin in a week, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he will not play Manu Ginobili until the strained muscle in Ginobili's left groin is fully healed.
Ginobili strained the muscle early in Wednesday's game against the Phoenix Suns. Though he played into the fourth quarter, he did not suit up against Seattle on Friday at the AT&T Center.
After the Spurs' 95-74 victory, Popovich declared Ginobili doubtful for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. He said Ginobili, the Spurs' scoring leader, will be "game-to-game" the rest of the regular season.
"You want it to be fully healed," Popovich said, "because it's like a sprained thumb. Every time you touch it, it comes back and doesn't heal. The groin seems to be the same sort of situation. You've got to get it healed before you come back, so I'm anxious to see how he feels (today)."
Barry better: For the first time since he re-signed with the Spurs on March 23, shooting guard Brent Barry appears close to a return to action.
Barry, who suffered a torn muscle in his left calf on Jan. 21, went through a vigorous workout Thursday. He reported only minor pain and some continued swelling Friday, and Popovich said he is optimistic he will get Barry back for limited action before the regular season ends Wednesday.
"He's got significantly less pain now than he had three or four days ago," Popovich said, "and significantly more mobility, as far as getting on his toes, pushing off and exploding. That's a good sign. He's worked through getting some of the blood and scar tissue out of that area."
The Spurs have been without Barry and veteran power forward Robert Horry since March21. Horry suffered a deep bruise on his left kneecap in a game against Sacramento.
The Spurs finish at the Lakers and Sacramento Kings on Sunday and Monday before Wednesday's home finale with Utah.
"Best-case scenario," Popovich said, "is I'm hoping we can throw Brent or Robert, or both of them, out there against Sacramento and Utah, or maybe just the Utah game, just to give them a couple of minutes to get some sort of rhythm."
Johnson signed: The Spurs signed veteran guard Dermarr Johnson for the remainder of the season.
Johnson was with the club on a 10-day contract in January, appearing in three games. He spent the bulk of the season with the Austin Toros, the Spurs' affiliate in the D-League. He averaged 17.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Toros, who use the Spurs' offensive sets and terminology.
"That's huge for me," Johnson said. "I know most of the terminology they use, so I shouldn't be too confused."
Since he signed a contract for the duration of the season, rather than a 10-day contract, Johnson can be on the team's playoff roster.
Time change: Tip-off for Wednesday's game has been changed to 8:30 p.m., to accommodate ESPN.