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Post by John on Dec 12, 2006 10:40:19 GMT -4
Gasol could be back soon, but Roberts is out for Grizzlies Dec. 11, 2006
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -The struggling Memphis Grizzlies may soon get All-Star forward Pau Gasol back, but lost backup forward Lawrence Roberts for at least a month with a knee injury.
Gasol broke his left foot in the World Championships this summer and he has missed the first 21 games of the season, including Monday night's game against the Nets in New Jersey.
"The earliest he could come back would be this weekend, if the doctors OK it," coach Mike Fratello said on Monday.
Fratello said that the doctors want Gasol to practice at least twice with the team before playing. Memphis plans to practice on Tuesday and Thursday, the coach said.
"I'm not sure they are going to OK him on just two practices," Fratello added. "He's had two or three days of three on three. Guys have come in on off days, just so they can play with him. He has not gone five on five yet."
While Fratello thinks the Grizzlies can recover after losing 15 of their first 20, he wasn't encouraged by the news on Roberts after the first-year player had surgery Monday to repair the lateral meniscus in his right knee.
Fratello said Roberts would be out 4-to-6 weeks.
The operation was performed in Memphis, Tenn. by team orthopedic surgeon Fred Azar.
"He was emerging as our best rebounder and best post defender and unfortunately had his best game last week with 18 points," Fratello said.
Roberts did not play in the Grizzlies last two games. He averaged 6.7 points and 5.9 rebounds in 18 games.
AP NEWS The Associated Press News Service
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