NBA: Gasol not cleared to play following concussion

The Los Angeles Lakers announced Tuesday (Wednesday, PHL time) that power forward Pau Gasol has not yet been cleared to resume playing basketball, following a concussion suffered in their loss Sunday (Monday, PHL time) to the Denver Nuggets.

GASOL UPDATE: Pau was re-examined today & was not cleared to resume playing basketball.He'll be re-evaluated Thursday. #GoLakers

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 8, 2013

In that game, Gasol was hit in the face by Nuggets center JaVale McGee. The Lakers added that he would be re-evaluated Thursday (Friday, PHL time). [Related: Further gloom for Lakers with Howard and Gasol sidelined] Aside from Gasol, center Dwight Howard is similarly sidelined with a torn labrum in his shoulder. Reserve big man Jordan Hill is also out indefinitely with a sore hip.

Expect Nash, Morris, Bryant, MWP & Sacre to start for LAL. Lots of interesting matchups w/Lin, Harden, Parsons, Morris & Asik for Houston.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 8, 2013

As a result of all the injuries, the Lakers are expected to start 2012 second-round pick Robert Sacre at center in their game Tuesday (Wednesday, PHL time) against the Houston Rockets. Metta World Peace will likely get the nod at the power forward spot, with Antawn Jamison and Earl Clark coming off the bench. The Lakers are currently 15-18, third in the Pacific Division and 11th overall in the Western Conference. - AMD, GMA News