Ginobili expected to miss one month after testicular surgery, Spurs announce

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The injury that resulted in Manu Ginobili crumpling to the court in pain late in Wednesday’s win over New Orleans has turned out to be something far more serious than the garden-variety knee to the groin many believed it to be at first blush.

The Spurs announced Thursday that Ginobili is expected to be sidelined for at least one month after undergoing surgery to repair a testicular injury.

The 38-year-old sixth man, four-time NBA champions and Olympic gold medalist for his native country of Argentina was taken to the locker room after making contact with a charging Ryan Anderson with about 2½ minutes left in the game.

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Ginobili crumpled to the court after absorbing the blow delivered by the Anderson’s knee. Ginobili was aggressively defending Anderson with body contact in the paint when the 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward pivoted into to make a strong move to the basket.

San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili lies on the court after he was kneed by New Orleans Pelicans' Ryan Anderson during the second half at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016. Anderson was called for an offensive foul. less San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili lies on the court after he was kneed by New Orleans Pelicans' Ryan Anderson during the second half at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016. Anderson was called for an ... more Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News Photo: JERRY LARA, San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Ginobili expected to miss one month after testicular surgery, Spurs announce 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

At the moment of impact, Ginobili’s head snapped back and his mouth came open.

After regaining his feet, Ginobili was helped to the locker room by Spurs captain Tim Duncan, athletic trainer Will Sevening and others. On the way to the locker room, Ginobili had to go back down on one knee in the hallway to collect himself before continuing the painful journey.

When asked about the injury, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said he didn’t know “what the hell happened” and forward LaMarcus Aldridge laughed it off in a manner that suggested it wasn’t serious. Forward David West suggested the same, but guard Tony Parker struck a serious tone.

“I don’t want to joke with that,” Parker said. “It doesn’t look good.”

Turns out, Parker was right.

Asked after the game for an update regarding Ginobili’s status, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said, “I have no clue. I haven’t seen him. He wasn’t in the locker room, I don’t think. I don’t know what the hell happened.”

The Spurs are scheduled to travel today to Dallas, where they will face the Mavericks on Friday night.

Ginobili, 38, played 22 minutes against New Orleans, coming off the bench to score six points and four assists.

Ginobili’s injury leaves the Spurs without two members of their famed Big Three as they prepare to head into their lengthy, annual rodeo road trip.

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Duncan has missed the last five games with a sore right knee, and there is no timetable for his return, although indications are that he will be sidelined at least through the Feb. 14 NBA All-Star Game.

With Ginobili out for an extended period, it would seem likely Popovich will give even more playing time to youngsters Kyle Anderson and Jonathon Simmons.

Ginobili heads what is statistically the NBA’s strongest bench. In 43 games this season, he’s averaging 10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 19.7 minutes.

Despite his age and limited minutes, Ginobili has led the Spurs this season twice in scoring, seven times in assists and eight times in steals. He’s scored in double figures 21 times, trailing only Kawhi Leonard (44), Aldridge (37) and Parker (33).