MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol is expected to return to action Tuesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, after spraining a left knee ligament less than eight weeks ago.
Gasol was warming up an hour before the game and Grizzlies officials said he would be active and play. He is expected to be in the starting lineup.
Gasol was averaging 16 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.3 assists when he injured the knee in a Nov. 22 loss to San Antonio.
Gasol participated in one full contact practice on Monday, indicating his return was imminent. However, even in his pregame comments, Memphis coach Dave Joerger was coy about whether the 7-foot-1 center would play, saying it was possible Gasol could return anytime between Tuesday night’s game and the Grizzlies’ Jan. 24 game at Houston.
Kosta Koufos, obtained in the offseason in a trade with Denver, has started in Gasol’s place.
