Ginobili hopes to return Monday

Nov 21, 2008 - 11:54 PM SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Ticker) -- The San Antonio Spurs could be getting guard Manu Ginobili back sooner than expected.

According to a report from the San Antonio Express-News, Ginobili said Friday that he should be ready to play by Monday's contest against the Memphis Grizzlies.

The 31-year-old Ginobili has not played this season after undergoing offseason ankle surgery.

"I feel I'm very close," Ginobili told the newspaper. "I had a good practice yesterday. The ankle is not swelling. We're going to practice tomorrow and the day after. If it goes as well as yesterday, I think I'm ready to go."

The Spurs have struggled without Ginobili, posting a 5-6 record. They have also been with guard Tony Parker for the last six games due to a sprained ankle.

"I'm ready," Ginobili said. "I don't know if they are going to wait and be extra cautious and see how I develop. But I feel like I can contribute, little by little. I'm not going to play 35 minutes the first game, but I think I'm ready to start helping out."

Ginobili averaged 19.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.47 steals last season.