Duncan to miss “4 or 5 games”

Though the Spurs have released no official timetable on Tim Duncan’s return from a sprained left ankle, coach Gregg Popovich said Wednesday he expects to have  the two-time MVP back in time for the start of the playoffs.

“I’m hoping it won’t be that long,” Popovich said. “A good four or five games for sure. Beyond that, I won’t really know until we get back.”

Duncan did not accompany the team on the three-game road trip opening tonight in Denver, instead remaining home in San Antonio in a walking boot. An MRI taken Tuesday revealed no structural damage in the ankle.

“Once he gets back on the court in a couple of days, we’ll be able to tell more,” Popovich said. “But four or five games for sure.”