Popovich says Gasol could be back before All-Star break

The second-best team in the Western Conference may have their key offseason addition back sooner than expected, according to head coach Gregg Popovich.

Pau Gasol suffered a fracture in the fourth metacarpal in his left hand prior to the San Antonio Spurs' game against the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 19. He ran into teammate Kyle Anderson while going up for a layup, resulting in an injury that required surgery.

Popovich thinks Gasol could return prior to, or immediately after, the midseason break, which begins Feb. 17.

"They tell me that maybe at the beginning of All-Star break, somewhere around there, maybe he can play a game," he told ESPN's Michael C. Wright. "And if not, when we return, he should be able to. So, I'm guessing that probably after break, he'll be ready to go."

Due to the nature of the injury, the 15-year pro has maintained his conditioning by running two-a-day workouts in preparation for a return to a Spurs lineup that has gone 6-2 in his absence.

The Spurs never released a timetable for Gasol to get back to game shape, but, according to ESPN, the initial ruling had the 7-foot center out "indefinitely."

The two-time champion has seen a dip in minutes, but continues to produce at an efficient rate, averaging 11.7 points and eight rebounds, while shooting 51 percent from the field - his highest mark in five years.