National Basketball Association

Spurs' Ginobili returning next week after traumatic injury

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:14 p.m. ET

foxsports

SAN ANTONIO (AP) Manu Ginobili says he is pain free and will return to the San Antonio Spurs next week after missing a month following testicle surgery.

Ginobili has missed 11 games and will wear a protective cup when he returns from the worst injury of his career. He is unsure when he will play, but the Spurs have five games in eight days beginning Sunday at home against Sacramento.

The Argentina native addressed the media Wednesday night just before San Antonio played the Detroit Pistons in its first home game following its annual monthlong Rodeo Road Trip.

Ginobili says he has been participating in team activities, including practicing and conditioning.

Ginobili on Feb. 3 took a knee directly to the groin from New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson.

He is averaging 10 points, 3.3 assists and 3.0 rebounds in 19.7 minutes per game.