Pau Gasol didn’t practice today because of the sprained left ankle he suffered Wednesday night in a loss at Indiana. The 7-foot Spaniard is scheduled to have X-rays later this afternoon.

There is swelling. He’s using a walking boot. Gasol will definitely miss the Grizzlies’ next two exhibition games (Saturday vs. Miami and Tuesday at Houston). Barring bad news from the X-rays, the injury isn’t considered serious.



Gasol crashed to the floor after attempting a layup with 9:36 left in the first quarter Wednesday and immediately grabbed his left ankle. He actually played an additional two minutes before leaving the game for good.

Coach Marc Iavaroni didn’t appear concerned, saying this “could be a blessing in disguise” because it will give Gasol a chance to rest after showing great work in camp despite playing in the EuroBasket. The team doesn’t want to take any unnecessary risks before the regular season, especially given Gasol’s history of ankle/foot trouble.

The situation will also give Iavaroni a chance to give a hard look at Hakim Warrick, Brian Cardinal and Andre Brown – front-court players who haven’t got as much of an opportunity as Gasol, Stromile Swift and Darko Milicic.