Spurs: Ginobili practices, keeps injured finger protected

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http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/s...n.2a2d32a.html

Spurs: Ginobili practices, keeps injured finger protected

Web Posted: 01/02/2008 11:48 PM CST

Mike Monroe
San Antonio Express-News

Wearing a brace on his left hand to protect his sprained index finger, Spurs guard Manu Ginobili went through a full practice session with his teammates Monday, getting his rhythm back for a return to action after missing three games.
It appears the return won't be in tonight's game in Denver against the Nuggets.

"He probably won't play," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said after watching Ginobili get in some extra work on his shot after practice.

Popovich was encouraged by what he saw from Ginobili, but is approaching his return off the injured list with caution.

"He's trying to get comfortable with that thing on his hand," Popovich said, "but he's also trying to stay in shape and keep a rhythm. So it was good to have a real practice with contact so he could get out there and try to get his rhythm back.

"It will probably take him a while before he feels totally comfortable, that's for sure. But he's on the right track."

Ginobili first sprained his left index finger in a fall during the Spurs' Dec. 2 game against the Portland Trail Blazers. He did not miss any game action until he re-injured it in the Spurs' game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Dec. 22. He has been on the inactive list for the team's last three games.

Welcome break: The Spurs appreciated the two-day break from practice that Popovich gave them after their Sunday night victory over Memphis.

"It was good for all the guys to give their bodies a chance to heal, Manu, in particular," said Michael Finley, who has had back-to-back games of 20 and 22 points. "Tony (Parker), Tim (Duncan) and Brent (Barry), too. Those couple days off were good to get some rest, be with our families and rejuvenate."

Finley said the Spurs need to be prepared for the Nuggets to be especially motivated.

"I think it will be one of their better games," he said. "It's another team that has had some time off and has been playing well of late. It's a team that has not had much success against us, so I know, from that standpoint, coach (George) Karl will definitely have those guys ready to play."

[raspsa]

Is it really a good idea to have Manu play if his finger isn't 100% healed? It doesn't matter if his finger is in a splint; one bad hit or fall and it could make things much worse.. just keep him out as long as needed.. there's really no urgency to rush him back.

[urunobili]

Is it really a good idea to have Manu play if his finger isn't 100% healed? It doesn't matter if his finger is in a splint; one bad hit or fall and it could make things much worse.. just keep him out as long as needed.. there's really no urgency to rush him back.

LeBron used the same protecting cast he will use for a couple of games... believe me Pop will play conservative just as he did with Timmy and Tony

[Budkin]

Without Manu it's going to be a tough outing tonight against the Nuggs at home. But I agree that Manu should be out for as long as necessary to get him healthy.

[Supreme_Being]

Let Manu play if he wants to. It's his life.