Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker Close to Returning According to Greg Popovich

The media, having peeked into the Spurs' practice facility on Wednesday, had their interests piqued at the sight of Sean Elliott—who, as previously reported, has been hooping it up with Manu Ginobili.

"I don't know what the hell he's doing," said Gregg Popovich jokingly. "He got lost today. Once a Spur, always a Spur, I guess. He wanted to come shoot around."

The mood around the facility was less heavy than it was just a week ago. Since that time, the Spurs have racked up three straight victories, albeit close ones. Popovich has reason to feel better, and he thinks his team does too.

"I'm sure it makes them feel better when they wake up in the morning," said Popovich. "But they're all pros and the next game is the most important one. Those three games don't matter."

Win or lose, it seems the thing on most people's minds is the health status of injured All-Stars Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

"Tony's moving the ankle around," said Popovich. "He's been lifting on it and he's on the court, taking a few shots here and there and trying to get it back in shape. He looks pretty good. He's progressing very well."

As for Ginobili, Popovich says the shooting guard's progress has been quite steady and improving.

"Absolutely. Basically, I believe he's ahead of schedule and he's been going two-on-two and we've got to get him to five on five here in the next week or two."

Walter Pasacrita, A.M. Drive Sports Anchor for WOAI & Ticket760, contributed to this report.

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