Duncan, Ginobili and Parker will play against Cavs (Update: Splitter in, Jackson out)

[Fabbs]

Post more please. Your a true gem.

I've got schtikk on the line.

[timvp]

I don't disagree with the move. Ginobili has been begging to play since the start of the Rodeo Road Trip. Duncan has said he's been ready since after the first game. Parker could have played last game. It's not like Pop is rushing his guys back; he has already sat the three more than any other coach in the NBA would have done in the exact situation. At this point, it's probably worth it to play them just to regain some sharpness, conditioning and confidence before the break.

I know some Spurs fans want the Big 3 encased in bubble wrap until the playoffs arrive but it just doesn't work like that. As it is, Pop takes care of his players more than any coach in NBA history, AFIAK. Tough to hold him to a higher standard than that.

[atoyotagaspedal]

Stern gave them a warning obviously, so they have to play.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I don't even remember what Manu looks like anymore

[Fabbs]

April 14th, 2011

PHOENIX -- Manu Ginobili hyperextended his right elbow early in San Antonio's regular season finale against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
Ginobili was hurt with 9:46 left in the first quarter when he slid to the floor near the free throw line and the Suns' Grant Hill fell on top of him.
He went to the locker room holding the arm and grimacing in pain. The Spurs said X-rays were negative for a more serious injury.

He is scheduled to have an MRI on Thursday in San Antonio.

Ginobili missed two games this season, only one with an injury. With San Antonio already clinching the best record in the West, Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker sat out the Spurs' 102-93 loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

All three were back in the lineup against Phoenix.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=6349705

[boutons_deux]

So, the big three are back and they lose to the f*n Cavs. Just kidding...

yep, sure thing. or seriously struggle and win by a (Ginobili) nose

[Brunodf]

[txstr1986]

I don't even remember what Manu looks like anymore

Isn't he the big Australian guy?

[capek]

I don't even remember what Manu looks like anymore

I remember he's bald and has a giant nose, but other than that it's all indistinct in my mind as well.

[FromWayDowntown]

Really, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili shouldn't play any regular season games ever again.

Just save them up for the playoffs and tell them to keep up their conditioning on the side.

That's a time-tested formula for winning les.

[Whisky Dog]

Obviously Pop thinks they've been out for enough time, and you definitely don't want to make them sit another week and lose game shape if you don't have to. There's also the role players like Kawhi and Splitter who have been logging more time and been leaned on more for production than they're used to. Don't want to over exert them and put them on the shelf.

I don't think anyone plays a ton of minutes tonight. Just enough to keep some form.

[FromWayDowntown]

Dirk's play this season is probably the clearest proof that aging players pick up right where they left off after long breaks and that playing shape can be maintained with time on the elliptical and in swimming pools.

Then again, maybe Dirk's problem is an aversion to exercise bikes.

[Dex]

I don't even remember what Manu looks like anymore

[jjktkk]

April 14th, 2011

PHOENIX -- Manu Ginobili hyperextended his right elbow early in San Antonio's regular season finale against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.
Ginobili was hurt with 9:46 left in the first quarter when he slid to the floor near the free throw line and the Suns' Grant Hill fell on top of him.
He went to the locker room holding the arm and grimacing in pain. The Spurs said X-rays were negative for a more serious injury.

He is scheduled to have an MRI on Thursday in San Antonio.

Ginobili missed two games this season, only one with an injury. With San Antonio already clinching the best record in the West, Ginobili, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker sat out the Spurs' 102-93 loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

All three were back in the lineup against Phoenix.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=6349705

99.03.05.07.

[Andthentherewas21]

I guess you didn't see the Tim Duncan injury - if you don't want him to get as much rest as possible after that you're nuts and a little selfish.

You mean the one where a 76er fell on him.

Your right to avoid these future types of injuries we should sit Duncan out whenever there is the possibility of an opposing player falling on him. Well crap it looks like there are going to be opposing players on the court for every game the rest of the season. ! and the playoffs. Well maybe next season.


If he's 100% right now, which he claims and has claimed for the past few games, then there is no point in resting him. Its taking him out of rhythm and game shape. And I don't know how it would be selfish of me to want him to play. I'm not going to the game, and chances are I won't be able to watch it.

[Dex]

Wow, pretty sure that font color just gave me an aneurism.

[Spur|n|Austin]

You mean the one where a 76er fell on him.

Your right to avoid these future types of injuries we should sit Duncan out whenever there is the possibility of an opposing player falling on him. Well crap it looks like there are going to be opposing players on the court for every game the rest of the season. ! and the playoffs. Well maybe next season.

If he's 100% right now, which he claims and has claimed for the past few games, then there is no point in resting him. Its taking him out of rhythm and game shape. And I don't know how it would be selfish of me to want him to play. I'm not going to the game, and chances are I won't be able to watch it.

Are you serious? Cause you used the wrong shade of sarcastic blue.. The point of my comment was not to say we need him to sit so he avoids injury; the purpose of him sitting longer would be to heal the knee. How did you not understand that?

Can you please post the link(s) to the quote(s) where he said he was 100% the last few games? Thanks

[TampaDude]

And regarding Jack, there is likely something wrong in his family when you see his instagram:
http://instagram.com/p/VpAz6LRf0B/

I hope it isn't too bad.

Death of a family member or close friend?

[Andthentherewas21]

Are you serious? Cause you used the wrong shade of sarcastic blue.. The point of my comment was not to say we need him to sit so he avoids injury; the purpose of him sitting longer would be to heal the knee. How did you not understand that?

Can you please post the link(s) to the quote(s) where he said he was 100% the last few games? Thanks

In my original post I said with the caveat they are completely health. How do you not understand that? I'm not saying rush them back if they aren't healthy. His knee didn't have any structural damage meaning it was a 1st degree sprain.

"A first-degree injury stretches the ligament or muscle tendon unit, but does not cause significant structural damage or weakness. First-degree sprains are characterized by minimal swelling (edema), localized pain and tenderness, and no marked instability. The individual with first-degree sprains may perform activities within the limits of pain tolerance without causing further damage to the knee."http://www.mdguidelines.com/sprains-and-strains-knee

Check McDonald's twitter feed, the shoot-arounds, and everything else with Tim and Manu trying to get back on the court the last few games.

Its not like I'm calling for them to force Duncan out there while hes on crutches. If he feels like he can play, let him try it out and if it feels like something isn't right he can tell Pop and head to the bench.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Why on Earth would you make that assumption. The NBA wants to showcase their best. Do you think if Harden wasn't able to come back in the game after he sprained his ankle last night that the NBA wouldn't open their arms to him for the ASG?

[Andthentherewas21]

Wow, pretty sure that font color just gave me an aneurism.

Generally I do the blue font by the ridiculousness of the sarcasm, but for the sake of your health I've switched it.

[Dex]

Generally I do the blue font by the ridiculousness of the sarcasm, but for the sake of your health I've switched it.

My brain thanks you.

[Obstructed_View]

I don't disagree with the move. Ginobili has been begging to play since the start of the Rodeo Road Trip. Duncan has said he's been ready since after the first game. Parker could have played last game. It's not like Pop is rushing his guys back; he has already sat the three more than any other coach in the NBA would have done in the exact situation. At this point, it's probably worth it to play them just to regain some sharpness, conditioning and confidence before the break.

I know some Spurs fans want the Big 3 encased in bubble wrap until the playoffs arrive but it just doesn't work like that. As it is, Pop takes care of his players more than any coach in NBA history, AFIAK. Tough to hold him to a higher standard than that.

I'm not sure there was anyone wanting them to sit more than I was wanting them to, and it's worked out so that they almost got as much rest as I'd hoped. This is enough rest. Timmy's going to Houston, and having a game to play is a good idea, and Pop deserves a medal for being able to hide Manu's shoes for this long.

[dbreiden83080]

Surprising. I was certain that Tim and Manu weren't going to play until after the break.

Maybe Tim really feels he needs to get the minutes in. They can't treat him with kid gloves forever and he has had loads of time off..

[Mal]

any news if SJax going to play or still out because of personal reasons? or maybe his personal reason is his going to be traded before the deadline that was why he left team before the bulls game hehehehe just doing some conspiracy theory

But Jackson as a player has no value. He is an fat expiring contract. It doesnt matter if he is healthy or on wheelchair.

Reasoning after him being away must be true, whatever it is.