When: 7:30 tonight.

Where: AT&T Center, San Antonio.

Broadcasts: TV - FSN. Radio - AM-620.

About the Spurs: San Antonio was without Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker when it lost to the Bucks in November. The Spurs are 18-5 since opening the season with a 2-5 mark, and they have won five consecutive games overall and their last seven in a row at home. "I think they're starting to play like they play," Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. "It's hard to play when two of your main guys are out." Parker had 32 points, five assists and four rebounds in a 106-103, double-overtime victory against Memphis on Saturday night. The Spurs also had a close call on Christmas Day, when Roger Mason sank a three-pointer at the buzzer to give them a 91-90 victory at Phoenix. San Antonio is the league's top team in defensive rebounding percentage (78.2%). The Bucks rank fourth in that category (75.5%).

PLAYER TO WATCH

Manu Ginobili, Spurs

The league's premier sixth man is rounding back into form after undergoing off-season surgery on his left ankle. He injured the ankle while playing for Argentina in the Beijing Olympics. He has played in 18 games (four starts) and is averaging 14.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Ginobili played 41 minutes against Memphis and contributed 20 points, four rebounds and four assists.

LINEUPS

PROBABLE Spurs STARTERS

Player Ht. From

G-Roger Mason 6-5 Virginia

G-Tony Parker 6-2 France

F-Matt Bonner 6-10 Florida

F-Michael Finley 6-7 Wisconsin

C-Tim Duncan 6-11 Wake Forest

Coach: Gregg Popovich (13th season, 652-312).

Injury report: Ian Mahinimi (sprained left ankle) is out. Fabricio Oberto (sore left foot) is doubtful.

PROBABLE Bucks STARTERS

Player Ht. From

G-Luke Ridnour 6-2 Oregon

G-Michael Redd 6-6 Ohio State

C-Andrew Bogut 7-0 Utah

F-LR Mbah a Moute 6-8 UCLA

F-Richard Jefferson 6-7 Arizona

Coach: Scott Skiles (first season; ninth overall, 295-268).

Injury report: Charlie Bell (right ankle soreness) is day-to-day.

THE SERIES

The Bucks won the first meeting this season, taking an 82-78 victory on Nov. 12 at the Bradley Center. The Spurs lead the all-time series, 35-34.

NUMBERS GAME

3 Double-overtime games played by the Spurs this season (3-0 record).

46.9 Three-point shooting percentage for Mason, ranking second in the NBA.

8 Turnovers by the Spurs in their double OT victory over Memphis.

COMING UP

Wednesday: 6 p.m. at the Toyota Center. Bucks vs. Houston Rockets. TV - FSN. Radio - AM-620.

Friday: 7:30 p.m. at the Bradley Center. Bucks vs. Charlotte Bobcats. TV - FSN. Radio - AM-620.

Saturday: 6 p.m. at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena. Bucks vs. Bobcats. TV - None. Radio - AM-620.

Charles F. Gardner

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