Pop sets starting lineup

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San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has set his season-opening starting lineup, and it appears he’ll stick with what has worked during the preseason.

Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Richard Jefferson, Tim Duncan and DeJuan Blair will be taking the court first when the Spurs open the 2010-11 season at home next Wednesday against the Indiana Pacers.

If there was ever any doubt on whether or not Blair could start a center, his performance throughout the preseason has put those doubts to rest. Blair has averaged 11.8 points and 8.8 rebounds through six preseason games.

Ginobili, a previous sixth man award winner, will start this season after coming off the bench for a majority of last season’s games. He’ll likely make his return to the bench at some point during the season if the second unit runs into trouble on the offensive end.

Tiago Splitter could also affect the lineup once he is healthy and back into game shape, but Pop will likely be cautious with Splitter early in the season.

The Spurs will play their last preseason game tonight at home against Houston.