Parker: Manu’s goal is to play before playoffs

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The San Antonio Spurs have been without one-third of their "Big 3" as Manu Ginobili has been dealing with a hamstring injury which has him shelved for four weeks which has him making his return the the court until the playoffs.

During his radio show in France, his teammate, Tony Parker, stated (via French site RMC Sport) that Ginobili's goal is to come back before the playoffs begin.

"If all goes well, Manu Ginobili will be back for the playoffs. His goal is to play the last two games of the regular season to regain his rhythm by then."

Needless to say, the Spurs' physicians and coaching staff (especially coach Gregg Popovich) will have the final say on when Manu can return to the court.  However, if he is cleared to return before the playoffs kick off, getting a few games under his belt will be best for Manu and the team when the opening round series begins.

The long term benefits are positive not only for Manu's overall health but for the team to be fully-loaded heading into the playoffs outweigh rushing him back.

Especially considering the Spurs will draw a tough first round opponent or as Parker called it, a "war."

"In the West, it will be a war in the first round if we play the Lakers or Houston."