National Basketball Association

Ginobili doubtful for playoff opener

Published Apr. 14, 2011 7:02 p.m. ET

foxsports

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili is doubtful for Game 1 against Memphis after spraining his right elbow in the regular-season finale.

The All-Star had an MRI exam Thursday that confirmed the sprain. Ginobili hyperextended the elbow in the first quarter of Wednesday's loss at Phoenix.

The Spurs said Ginobili will be listed as doubtful for the playoff opener Sunday. San Antonio locked up the No. 1 seed in the West last week and plays the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round.

Coach Gregg Popovich sat his stars Tuesday at the Los Angeles Lakers, but played them against the Suns with the goal of keeping them in a rhythm for the playoffs.

The 33-year-old Ginobili averaged 17.4 points this season.