Manu Ginobili to miss Spurs opener

Manu Ginobili will miss the Spurs’ season opener. (Fernando Medina, Getty Images)

The San Antonio Spurs will start the season without one of their most experienced players.

The San Antonio Express-News‘ Mike Monroe reported via Twitter that shooting guard Manu Ginobili will not travel with his team for their season-opening trip to New Orleans on Wednesday night, and will instead be re-evaluated on Thursday. Ginobili has been struggling with back spasms throughout the preseason, and it is that injury that will keep him from tipping off the Spurs’ 2012-2013 season.

Speaking to Monroe, Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich said Ginobilit attempted to practice on Monday, but could not complete the session.