Manu Ginobili cleared to return to Spurs after serious testicular injury

Manu Ginobili could be back with the San Antonio Spurs next week after missing a month recovering from testicular surgery.

"I'm pretty sure that will happen," said Ginobili.

The Spurs wanted Ginobili to take his time getting back on the court because the medical staff had no experience treating the injury.

Ginobili is practicing with the team and could work his way back on to the court as early as Saturday. After lifting weights and doing some cardiovascular workouts, the 14-year veteran increased the intensity of workouts.

"He's going more quickly then we would have imagined," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "He's not going to play in this back-to-back or anything, but his progress has been much quicker than we thought."

Ginobili last played in a game on Feb. 2, when Ryan Anderson caught him squarely in the groin with a knee. Ginobili was unable to get to his feet, and knew it was more than just a typical low blow when he couldn't get his wind five minutes later.

"When they told me it was going to take a month, month and a half -- unbelievable," Ginobili said.

The 38-year-old Ginobili is averaging 10.0 points, 3.3 assists and 3.0 rebounds this season. He's shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 37.8 percent on 3-pointers.