Spurs' Ginobili may return Saturday

SAN ANTONIO (AP) Spurs guard Manu Ginobili was again ruled out for Thursday night's game against Oklahoma City because of a back problem. He could make his season debut this weekend.

Ginobili didn't play in San Antonio's season-opening win Wednesday at New Orleans and missed half the preseason because of back problems. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Ginobili ``is really close'' but is taking precautions with his 35-year-old star who hasn't practiced for much of the past week.

Popovich said Ginobili could play Saturday against Utah.