Spurs’ Manu Ginobili several weeks away from return

The San Antonio Spurs took a big hit on Jan. 2 when Manu Ginobili broke his left hand. The San Antonio Express-News reports that Ginobili has had his post-surgery splint removed and he's allowed to do some basketball activities with his other hand.

"He's shooting mid-range shots," coach Gregg Popovich said Monday, according to the paper. "He'll be cleared to go one-on-one in a week or so."

The 13-9 team has gone 10-7 without the 34-year-old native of Argentina and he's expected to return at some point during the Spurs' nine-game road trip next month, according to the Express-News.

In the five games he's played this season, Ginobili has averaged 17.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and three assists per game.

The other injured Spurs guard, T.J. Ford, who tore his left hamstring on Jan. 10, won't be back till after Ginobili, the paper reports.

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