Spurs' Manu Ginobili: Could be ready to return Friday

Ginobili (ankle) is hopeful to play in Friday's game against the Clippers, Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

Ginobili tweaked his left ankle in the team's final game before the All-Star break back on Feb. 15, but with more than week to rest up in between games, it's possible that the veteran won't have to miss any time. Look for the Spurs to reevaluate Ginobili's status during practices Wednesday and Thursday before an official update is relayed. If Ginobili is sidelined, Jonathon Simmons and Kyle Anderson would likely be in store for extra minutes.