The Memphis Grizzlies may have to wait before playing with the same starting five in consecutive seasons for just the second time in franchise history. Center Marc Gasol could miss the season opener against the Atlanta Hawks with a sprained foot.
However, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that the Grizzlies big man was walking without a limp on Tuesday afternoon and could play in the opener on Wednesday.
"I'll let you know tomorrow before the game," Memphis coach Lionel Hollins told the newspaper.
Gasol, the younger brother of former Hawks pick Pau Gasol, turned into an effective player in his sophomore season in Memphis. The 7-foot-1 Spaniard nearly averaged a double-double a game last season, recording averages of 14.6 points and 9.3 assists in 69 games with the Grizzlies.
Former Connecticut Huskies center Hasheem Thabeet will start in the middle if Marc Gasol is unable to play in the opener.