NBA Playoffs 2012, Spurs Vs. Thunder Game 5: Manu Ginobili Moves Into Starting Lineup

Having lost the previous two games of the Western Conference Finals to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the San Antonio Spurs will make a major adjustment prior to Game 5 of the series. Sixth-man extraordinare Manu Ginobili has moved into the starting lineup, replacing the struggling Danny Green. The Spurs are hoping this adjustment can help break a 2-2 deadlock in the series.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has made this adjustment often when the Spurs were struggling in the playoffs in the past, so it's not that surprising he did it again. In this case, though, the hope is that this will free Ginobili to not have to defend James Harden as much, which sapped his offensive energy in Game 4 of the series. Switching Green, a better defender, to match up with Harden may get his game going.