Pau Gasol wasn't running with his teammates Thursday afternoon, and that will be the trend for at least the next 5-7 days.

The Grizzlies' 7-footer will definitely miss the team's next two exhibition games with a moderately sprained left ankle. X-rays were negative, but coach Marc Iavaroni made it clear that rushing Gasol's return to the court is not an option.

"We're going to make sure he gets plenty of opportunity to get healthy," Iavaroni said, as the Griz prepared to play host to the Miami Heat for a preseason game Saturday at FedExForum.

He has used a therapeutic walking boot since suffering the injury Wednesday night during a loss at Indiana. Gasol crashed to the floor after attempting a layup with 9:36 left in the first quarter.