Gasol, the Grizzlies' starting power forward and leading scorer, may miss the team's final four games because of the strained arch on his right foot. Gasol will be available when the Griz begin their first-ever playoff series.

The team simply doesn't want to risk more damage to Gasol's foot, meaning he will sit out tonight when the Grizzlies begin a three-game road trip against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Bonzi Wells is in the same predicament with a sore back.

It is conceivable that both players could return for the Grizzlies' final two games - Tuesday at Dallas and Wednesday against Minnesota in The Pyramid. Even then, Griz coach Hubie Brown would only sign off on playing Gasol and Wells if they're 100 percent.

"We cannot have Pau and Bonzi play if they have any kind of injury right now because next weekend we're on a short leash," Hubie Brown said. "If (Gasol) isn't ready (Sunday) and the doctors say he should take off, that's fine. If they tell me he's still not ready (Tuesday and Wednesday) then he'll sit out.

"After the Laker game, I'm going to try to practice and see how it feels," Gasol said. "We're just trying to be smart and careful with it."